What you will find on this website

This website contains important definitions, descriptions, planning tools, resources and examples of the necessary components for the utilization of a Team Decision Making (TDM) implementation toolkit. You will find helpful information about how to implement TDM from start to finish and you will find other supplementary materials for constructing and maintaining a TDM program.

Why TDM?

The most critical child placement decisions that child welfare agencies make are often made by its newest and least experienced staff. Many times the social worker is overworked, under-trained, and relatively isolated. The same worker often is considering the future of many other families. The worker completes a risk assessment tool, consults with their supervisor and makes a decision about whether to remove a child based on the information gathered.

Goals of TDM?

Child welfare staff, family members, service providers, and community representatives make critical decisions together regarding removal, change of placement, and reunification/permanency. Assessment of family strengths and needs are determined and safety plans for children are constructed through engagement and input from all stakeholders. Therefore, the goals of TDM are very important for maintaining and supporting an inclusive environment and decision making capacity. Specifically, the goals of Team Decision Making (TDM) are:

1. To improve the agency's decision making process in order to ensure that children are only moved when they truly need to be moved.
2. To engage and encourage the support of the family, extended family, and the community.
3. To develop specific, individualized, and appropriate interventions for children and families.

Benefits of TDM?

For questions or more information about TDM training, practice and technical assistance, contact the Resource Center for Family Focused Practice at 530-757-8579.

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