CONTEXT AND STRENGTHS Effective October 2019, The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) approved DCYF’s Family First prevention plan. The eighth state in the nation to be approved, Washington laid the foundation for the future of prevention services in the state. At its core, the FFPSA plan seeks to “create a culture of community participation in child safety and family well-being, with the intention of reducing the stigma of seeking help.” 9 FFPSA allows states to access prevention-dedicated funding through Title IV-E of the Social Security Act. The law expanded allowable uses of federal funds traditionally designated for foster care and out-of-home placement. As a state with an approved Family First plan, Washington can claim a federal reimbursement — with a 50% match — for providing evidence-based mental health treatment, substance-use disorder services, and in-home parenting programs to support children at risk of entry to foster care. Washington’s candidates for foster care include families that are currently known to the system as well as those who are at imminent risk of entry or re-entry into foster care. Notably, this funding is classified as uncapped, meaning there is no limit to the amount states can claim. Embracing Family First implementation and the potential of a federal match as a chance to expand services and resources for families, DCYF elected to “take an aggressive approach to prevention candidacy.” 10 They designated eight candidacy groups of children, youth, and families as eligible for voluntary prevention services. DCYF would also like to explore cost allocation for implementing Motivational Interviewing. Further, Washington embraced eight evidence-based programs, listed below — all of which were approved and eligible for FFPSA claiming by early 2020.
9 DYCF (2024 December). Family First Prevention Services: Prevention Plan. 10 DYCF (2024 December). Family First Prevention Services: Prevention Plan.
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