The Family First Prevention Services Act of 2018 (Family First Act) is important federal child welfare reform legislation that gives states opportunities – and federal funding in select areas – to expand support for families before court involvement is needed, prioritize safe family-based settings for children and youth who enter foster care, ensure the quality of residential treatment for children and youth, and strengthen support to children and families through other avenues.
Several provisions of the Family First Act became effective October 1, 2021. State and local child welfare agencies, courts, and legal communities are at different stages of implementation and refinement of Family First Act approaches in their jurisdictions. While some states put these provisions into action soon after the Family First Act was passed by Congress and continue to finetune related policies and processes, others planned for an October 1 “launch” date. Other provisions were effective immediately after the Family First Act was passed.
View the brief here.