Family First Prevention Services Act
The Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First) was adopted in February 2018. Family First includes historic reforms to child welfare funding. The Act will provide federal funding for prevention services to families of children who are at imminent risk of entering foster care. It underscores the importance of children growing up in families and seeks to avoid the traumatic experience of children being separated from their families and entering foster care. Specifically, federal reimbursement will be available for trauma-informed mental health services, substance use disorder treatment and in-home parenting skills training to safely maintain in-home family placement. It also aims to improve the well-being of children already in foster care by incentivizing states to reduce placement of children in residential treatment, and instead place children in the least restrictive, most family-like setting appropriate to their individual needs.
Five Strategic Priorities
Prevention Services
Target resources and services that prevent foster care placements and help children remain safely in their homes.
Family-Based Placements
Help ensure children maintain family connections needed for healthy development and emotional well-being while finding safe, permanent homes for children as quickly as possible.
Non-Family Based Placements
Safely reduce the inappropriate use of non-family-based placements, also known as congregate care. When a non-family based placement is needed, Family First will help ensure children are placed in the least restrictive, highest-quality setting appropriate to their individual needs.
Evidence-Based Programs
Advance the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based, trauma-informed services that appropriately and effectively improve child safety, ensure permanency and promote child and family well-being.
Resources & Financial Accounta
Build capacity and leverage resources to provide effective services to prevent foster care placement while ensuring financial accountability.
