In 2018, Congress passed the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), expanding federal funding for evidence-based prevention services and limiting federal funding for congregate care placements. FFPSA aims to rebalance the system toward more prevention and preservation, and away from foster care and congregate care when possible. While a handful of states have already implemented the act, most are still in planning stages.

The estimated economic impacts of the COVID-19 emergency are staggering—millions of Americans are out of work or experiencing a decrease in hours. Thousands of businesses are shuttered and some may never reopen. Over 16 million new people have applied for unemployment since March, roughly half of the number of claims filed during 2008’s Great Recession.

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) includes expanded federal funding for evidence-based  prevention services through Title IV-E for: Mental health prevention and treatment, Substance use disorder prevention and treatment provided by a qualified clinician, In-home parent skill-based programs, including parenting skills training, parent education, and individual or family counseling.

The Human Services Team at Public Consulting Group, Inc. collaborated with the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) recently