HomeSocial ServicesAdults, Children & FamiliesChildren's Services Act

The Children's Services Act (CSA) became law on July 1, 1993. It is a Virginia law designed to help troubled youths and their families. State and local agencies, parents and private service providers work together to plan and provide services. This dramatic legislation makes communities, rather than separate agencies, responsible for managing and coordinating services to the at-risk youth population.
CSA WEBSITE
 
Intent of CSA
It is the intention of this law to create a collaborative system of services and funding that is child-centered, family-focused, and community-based when addressing the strengths and needs of troubled and at-risk youths and their families in the Commonwealth (Virginia Acts of the Assembly, Chapter 880, Section 2.5-745).

CSA Funding & Management
Each locality is given a portion of pool funds consolidated from eight former state funding streams. This is a partnership between state and local governments with each local government contributing funds at a rate determined to be equitable by the state.

Each locality has a Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT). The following agencies represented on the CPMT and are appointed by the City Council:

• Manassas Department of Social Services
• City of Manassas Public Schools
• Prince William County Juvenile Court Services Unit
• Prince William County Community Services
• Prince William Health District
• Parent Representatives
• Private Provider of Services (Vendor)

CPMT:
Community Policy and Management Team (CPMT)  is charged with developing policy and priorities to serve the community's "at risk" youth. Several categories of children are classified as eligible for CSA-related services, including but not limited to:

• Children with emotional and/or behavioral problems, which have persisted over a period of time, are disabling, or that require services or resources that are beyond typical agency services
• Children currently in or at risk of residential or day placement and children returning to the community from a residential placement
• Children at risk of removal from home
• Children that require placement for purposes of special education
• Children in the custody of a local department of social services

This team develops local policies for the CSA program and manages the funds for requested and approved services.

FAPT:
The Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT) is a group of community partners (DSS, Court Services, Schools, Behavioral health, and private providers) that meet with the Service Coordinator and family to assess the strengths and needs of youth and families and work together to develop a plan to meet the identified needs.