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What is an ADP

The Authority Determination Process (ADP) is used to identify which of the Child and Family Service (CFS) Authorities will oversee services for you and your family. The ADP is based on the following values:

  • All families have the right to choose their Authority
  • Services should meet clients’ cultural needs
  • Services must be reliable and timely
  • Children, families and communities belong together
  • Decisions will be made in the best interests of the children

How the Authority Determination Process (ADP) works

After determining that ongoing child and family services are needed, a CFS caseworker will ask some questions in an interview with the child and the family. The worker will ask questions about the family members and their cultural needs.  The worker will tell the family about their options and then support them in choosing whatever Authority they think will serve them best.

Children and Youth

Based on their age and maturity, children and youth can also choose or help choose the Authority that’s best for them. In most cases, the final choice must be approved by the parent or legal guardian at the time. However, there are two exceptions.

  1. Youth in care who are making independent living arrangements (through a caseworker at a child and family services agency) can make their own decisions.
  2. Youth who are parents or who are receiving expectant parent services from a child and family services agency can make their own decisions.

In both of these cases, adult family members can advise, but the final choice is the child’s.

Terms Used During the Authority Determination Process (ADP)

  1. Culturally appropriate Authority
    A family’s cultural needs are identified, based on the background of the family. They can choose the culturally appropriate Authority or a different Authority. 
  2. Authority of service
    The Authority the family chooses.  This Authority will assign one of its child and family service agencies to provide services to the family.  
  3. Service provider
    The service provider is the CFS agency that directly provides services to the family.