“Child and family team" means a group of individuals who are convened by the placing agency (i.e. county) and who are engaged through a variety of team-based processes to identify the strengths and needs of the child or youth and his or her family, and to help achieve positive outcomes for safety, permanency, and well-being.

The activities of the team shall include, but not be limited to, both of the following:

• Providing input into the development of a child and family plan that is strengths-based, needs-driven, and culturally relevant.
• Providing input into the placement decision made by the placing agency and the services to be provided in order to support the child or youth.

The child and family team process shall engage the child or youth, the child’s family, and other people important to the family or to the child or youth in meeting the objectives set forth in child and family plan.  The child and family team shall also include representatives who provide formal supports to the child or youth and family when appropriate, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

• Caregiver
• Placing Agency Case Worker
• Representative from the foster family agency or short-term residential therapeutic program (previously known as Group Homes)
• County mental health representative
• Representative of the Regional Center if the child if the child is eligible for Regional Center services
• The child's Court Appointed Advocate
• Representative of the child or youth's tribe or Indian custodian, as applicable