CFST Social Workers

What are the Durham Goals of CFST?

Improve and sustain improvement in the academic performance of children at risk of school failure
Reduce out-of-home and out-of-county placements of children at risk for academic failure
Increase the capacity of DPS to address the academic health, behavioral health, social and legal needs of children
Share the responsibility and accountability among public child-serving agencies to improve outcomes for our children and families

What is the role of the CFST Social Worker?

To receive referrals from MTSS teams ,school staff, and parents.
Identify and screen children who are potentially at risk of academic failure or out-of-home placement due to physical, social, legal, emotional or developmental factors
Conduct a school records review, establish contact with the family to complete a strength based assessment
Work with representatives from community agencies to connect student and families to services and resources
Conduct a least one CFT meeting within the first 30 days of referral
Case manage and monitor active caseloads

Referral

CFST referrals can come from community child serving agencies, school personnel, school based problem-solving/ MTSS teams, self-referral, truancy court or any member of the community (mental health, DJJ, DSS, Faith-based, Mentors, etc.)

Screening

Social/Health & Human Services factors
Information will be gathered on the family’s strengths and needs by using the CFST assessment tool. This will include a medical assessment to be completed by the CFST nurse.
Medical assessments have to be conducted on all CFST cases that will be served by the CFST team beyond the referral being screened.

Coordination of CFST

Durham Public Schools