Human Services
The Comprehensive Services Act for At-Risk Youth and Families (CSA)
The CSA is a Virginia law designed to help troubled youths and their families with specific challenges.
The CSA creates a collaborative system of services and funding that is:
- Child-centered
- Family-focused
- Community-based, and
- Cost-effective
What is CAT?
Arlington’s local CSA team is called the Community Assessment Team (CAT).
The CAT is a multidisciplinary team that considers the needs and strengths of youths and families, identifies and reviews the service plan, and makes recommendations to ensure the plan builds on the family’s strengths and needs.
The CAT consists of parent representatives, private providers, and staff from the Department of Human Services (includes Behavioral Health, Health, and Social Services), Court Service Units, and Schools.
Who is eligible?
Youth who are Arlington residents under the age of 18 and:
- Have serious emotional or behavioral challenges; or
- Need resources beyond normal agency services; or
- Require special education through private day schools as determined through the youth’s Individualized Education Program (IEP); or
- Require foster care services or services to prevent unnecessary foster care placement; or
- Are supervised by Arlington Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; or
- Are wards of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
How are youth referred to CAT?
A case manager begins the referral process. Families can receive assistance with choosing a case manager from any agency (DHS, Courts, Schools) with which the youth is already connected.
What happens at the CAT meeting?
Joining with the parents, the treatment team presents information and recommendations to support the family’s needs. Parent participation is required. Parents may bring any person to the meeting who they believe will provide support to the youth and family.
All information provided to CAT members is confidential.
Is there a cost for the services?
Yes. Services are assessed on a sliding fee scale. Families are not denied services based on the inability to pay.
Learn about CSA Values Learn about Other Family Resources
CONTACT US
Violetta Battle, LCSW-C
CSA Coordinator
703-228-1544
Earnestine Collins
CSA Administrative Specialist
703-228-1546