This measure represents the number of Family Action Meetings (FAMs) that occured in each quarter for all sites using FAM. This includes all situations that qualified for FAM and where families completed the FAM process.

Implementation dates by site:

• Oquirrh 08/01/2021
• Richfield 08/01/2021
• Manti 08/01/2021
• Metro 11/1/02022
• Ogden 11/07/2022
• Midtowne 6/26/2023
• Cedar 7/17/23
• Vernal 8/7/23
• Southtowne 8/10/23
• Tooele 8/11/23
• Salt Lake Valley Region Sex Abuse Team 8/11/23
• St George 11/10/23
• Salem 2/1/24
• Brigham City 2/1/24
• Logan 2/1/24
• Roosevelt 6/27/24
• Bountiful 12/1/2024
• Clearfield 12/1/2024

Safety assessments and decisions are complex and can become even more challenging when made in isolation, sometimes resulting in unnecessary trauma. Recognizing this, DCFS saw the need for an initiative to improve responses to children and families at critical moments by:

•  Bringing kinship into the process early and often
• Keeping children home safely whenever possible
•  Increasing family voice in the planning process

DCFS partnered with The Kempe Center, a national leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect, to develop the Family Action Meeting (FAM) process. This process enables DCFS staff and families to collaborate on strong safety plans addressing identified concerns when a family first becomes involved with the agency. Each step emphasizes transparency about safety concerns and is grounded in the belief that inclusion creates safety.

DCFS has always sought to involve both sides of a child's family and their broader support network. The FAM process has reinforced this value, helping DCFS better understand what is possible when a structured approach supports connecting with parents and families.

The goal for this measure is to continue increasing the use of the FAM process as DCFS expands it statewide. The first three FAM sites launched in August 2021, and now 21 out of 26 offices have implemented FAM. Utilization rates have generally increased since August 2021, although there was a recent decline in FAM referrals last quarter. DCFS is meeting regularly with leadership teams in fully implemented offices to discuss barriers to referrals and to raise awareness about FAM’s vision and positive impacts. Only six offices remain before FAM is implemented statewide. To support capacity for serving families across the state, DCFS has hired additional FAM coordinators to support having capacity to serve families statewide with the FAM approach.