The Family First Act: An unprecedented opportunity to transform child welfare

Kids should grow up in safe, stable and secure families who support their long-term well-being. Research makes it clear — growing up in a family is essential for all kids, especially those who have experienced abuse or neglect. Family First is an opportunity moment that offers exciting possibilities for us to be responsive to the specific needs of children, teens and families. 

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Family First Resource Database

This database has been compiled by partner organizations and contains links to resources relating to the Family First Act. Search by resource type, topic, geographic location, or source. Note that you may view two ways: summary and list.  Have a Family First resource that you think would be useful? Share it here >

Kinship Services in Tribal Child Welfare Policy Toolkit

This toolkit, developed by our partners at the National Indian Child Welfare Association , has two parts. Part one examines several issues that tribal child welfare programs might want to... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

Kinship Care Supports the Academic Performance of Children

Children and youth who successfully learn how to read, write, and perform basic math skills are more likely to go to college , find good jobs, and attain financial security... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

NEW RULE: Separate Licensing or Approval Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes

This rule finalizes revisions to the definition of “foster family home” proposed on February 14, 2023 (here after referred to as the February 2023 NPRM). Title IV–E agencies may choose... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

The Biden-Harris Administration Awards $20 Million to Launch First National Center to Support Mental Health Services in the Child Welfare System

On September 25th, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) through the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) awarded $20 million to launch the first-ever National Center for... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Support Children and Families in Foster Care

In honor of National Kinship Care Month, the Administration released a historic package of regulations to ensure children in the child welfare system thrive. Read the factsheet from the White... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

Spotlight on Creating a More Equitable Child Welfare System

This issue of CBX highlights the importance of prioritizing and advancing racial equity in child welfare. Read a message from Associate Commissioner Aysha E. Schomburg about the dream of creating... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

Child Safety Forward Implementation Study Final Report

This is the final evaluation report for Child Safety Forward , a four-year demonstration initiative that engaged five sites across the U.S. in research, planning, and implementation around strategies aimed... (Read more)

Published Oct 4, 2023

Title Resource Type Topic Location Source Published
Kinship Services in Tribal Child Welfare Policy Toolkit Data / Research Kinship 10/04/23
Kinship Care Supports the Academic Performance of Children Data / Research Kinship 10/04/23
NEW RULE: Separate Licensing or Approval Standards for Relative or Kinship Foster Family Homes Program Instructions Kinship 10/04/23
The Biden-Harris Administration Awards $20 Million to Launch First National Center to Support Mental Health Services in the Child Welfare System News 10/04/23
FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Support Children and Families in Foster Care Implementation Strategies Kinship 10/04/23
Spotlight on Creating a More Equitable Child Welfare System Advocacy Tools, Presentation/Webinar, Data / Research, Constituent Engagement, Implementation Strategies Overview / General 10/04/23
Child Safety Forward Implementation Study Final Report Data / Research Overview / General 10/04/23
New Federal Rule Supports Kinship Families in Foster Care Guidance Kinship 10/04/23
Status of Family First IV-E Prevention Claiming Title IV-E Prevention Plan 10/04/23
Status of Family First Prevention Plans Title IV-E Prevention Plan Overview / General 10/04/23
Counties kick off Colorado Kinnected Kinship Navigator Program News Kinship 09/25/23
Decriminalizing being in Foster Care Real Story, Data / Research, Constituent Engagement Overview / General, Juvenile Justice 09/25/23
Promoting Peer Support in Child Welfare Data / Research Overview / General 09/25/23
Connecting Generations: Finding Intergenerational Activities Within Your Community Opinion Prevention, Overview / General, Kinship 09/25/23
Relevant Trainings for Kin Caregivers and Those Who Work with Them Presentation/Webinar, Data / Research Kinship 09/25/23
Kinship Promising Practices Data / Research, Implementation Strategies, Case Study Kinship 09/25/23
Placement instability and its effects on the mental health of foster youth Data / Research Overview / General 09/25/23
Building Protective Communities for Black Children and Families Presentation/Webinar, Data / Research Overview / General 09/25/23
Standards of Quality for Family Strengthening & Support Presentation/Webinar, Data / Research Prevention 09/25/23
LGBTQ2S+ Support LEAB Discussion Report Constituent Engagement Prevention, Overview / General 09/19/23
LGBTQ2S+ Support Share Your Perspective Paper Constituent Engagement Prevention, Overview / General 09/19/23
Family Reunification LEAB Report Constituent Engagement Prevention, Overview / General 09/19/23
Official outlines efforts to divert WV children from residential care News QRTP / Congregate Care 09/19/23
Child poverty in the US jumped and income declined in 2022 as coronavirus pandemic benefits ended Data / Research, News Prevention 09/19/23
2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Data / Research Kinship 09/19/23
Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities Advocacy Tools, Data / Research Prevention, Child Fatalities 09/19/23
The Elephant in the Room: The Role of Poverty in Child Maltreatment (Podcast) Data / Research Prevention, Overview / General 09/19/23
Program for Central Florida foster teens promises alternative to group homes News QRTP / Congregate Care, Older Youth / Chafee 09/19/23
Report states Colorado lags behind in kinship placement News Kinship 09/19/23
What are some considerations for employing and supporting youth peer mentors in child welfare? Data / Research 09/19/23
Supporting & Strengthening Our Nation’s Families: A Blueprint for the Development of Strong Networks of Family Resource Centers Data / Research Prevention 09/19/23
Governor’s working group issues suggestions to improve Arkansas’ foster care system News Prevention, Overview / General 09/19/23
Advancing Family Economic Mobility Data / Research Prevention 09/11/23
Child and Adolescent Mental and Behavioral Health Principles Data / Research Prevention, Overview / General 09/11/23
Ending the Need for Group Placements Data / Research QRTP / Congregate Care 09/11/23
What are some considerations for employing and supporting youth peer mentors in child welfare? Data / Research 09/11/23
How can the child welfare system support families affected by substance use disorder? Data / Research, Constituent Engagement Overview / General 09/11/23
San Diego non-profit helps foster youth transition to adulthood News Older Youth / Chafee 09/11/23
Federal money powers ‘monumental shift’ in Kansas to help keep kids out of foster care News Overview / General 09/11/23
Minnesota's Family First Prevention Services Act Title IV-E Five-year Prevention Plan. September 2022. Title IV-E Prevention Plan Overview / General 09/11/23
New report finds Kansas foster system continues to improve in placements News Overview / General 09/05/23
NYOCFS announces cash awards for eligible foster care youth News Older Youth / Chafee 09/05/23
Expecting and Parenting in Care: Tips for Youth Data / Research, Constituent Engagement Pregnant & Parenting 09/05/23
Improving Services for Expectant and Parenting Youth in Care Data / Research, Constituent Engagement Pregnant & Parenting 09/05/23
Colorado developing plan to implement housing voucher program for post-foster care young adults News Older Youth / Chafee 09/05/23
Strategies for Reducing Inequity: Casework Practice Data / Research, Implementation Strategies Prevention, Overview / General 09/05/23
Gov. Whitmer Announces Increased Funding for Parents Fostering Children News Overview / General 09/05/23
WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort is ramping up. Is it working? News Older Youth / Chafee 09/05/23
Are Direct Payments The Answer to Keeping Black Families Out of Foster Care? News Prevention 09/05/23
Pennsylvania's annual DHS report shows a rise in child abuse cases statewide Data / Research, News Overview / General 09/05/23
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