FAQs • Pierce County, WA • CivicEngage

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Juvenile Court - Functional Family Therapy (FFT)

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1. Why do I have to do counseling when my child is the one in trouble?: When one person in the family is in trouble or distressed, it affects the other members in the family too. Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a holistic approach to the family without judgment. FFT operates under a philosophy that if family members feel better with one another, increase communication and strengthen their relationship, some of the other issues that are stressing the family (law violations, drugs or alcohol, school, etc.) tend to decrease.

2. How do I get into Functional Family Therapy (FFT)?: The probation officer can tell you if you are eligible for this program. From the information gathered by the probation officer when a youth is place on probation, an assessment is completed. The outcome of the assessment determines if a youth is eligible for the program.

3. If I am eligible, will I get Functional Family Therapy (FFT)?: Not all eligible youth receive FFT services. More families are eligible than we can serve. Whether or not a family receives an opportunity for FFT depends on the youth’s other risk factors being addressed on probation, the amount of time left on probation, and therapist availability. Each family will work with the probation officer to decide what the case plan will be for each youth and if FFT is the best option.