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Child Welfare and FFPSA

The landmark bipartisan Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) represents sweeping reforms to federal child welfare policy, and it provides significant new opportunities for states to improve the health and well-being of children of all ages, including very young children as well as teen parents of young children. 

Child Welfare Family First

A central reform goal of the Family First Act is to strengthen families and safely prevent children from needing to enter foster care. To advance this goal, FFPSA provides states and tribes the option to receive federal reimbursement under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act for “Family First Prevention Programs.”

2023 marks the fifth year since the passage of FFPSA and the majority of states are implementing Family First Prevention Programs, which are comprised of evidence-based programs to address mental health issues, substance use prevention and treatment needs, and parenting support, including home visiting.

This resource center provides information, tools and examples to assist state early childhood advocates in leveraging their state’s Family First Prevention Program to promote the health and well-being of young children and their families.

Take a closer look:

Child Welfare and FFPSA

Legislation Overview and Analysis

Implementation Guidance and Tools

Prevention Services Clearinghouse

State News

State Plans and Status

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