A recent report from the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) underscores the importance of service integration in preventing child maltreatment and supporting vulnerable youth. The report, part of the Case Studies in Supporting Prevention Through Human Services Program Integration project, highlights how collaborative efforts across agencies can enhance child welfare-related prevention.
The report discusses six initiatives that successfully used service integration to bolster protective factors, reduce the incidence of child maltreatment, and prevent homelessness among youth aging out of foster care. For example, the Families First DC initiative involved community members in planning and implementing culturally resonant services that were responsive to community needs. Another initiative, the Foster Youth to Independence program in Maine, partnered with trusted community organizations to help youth transition out of foster care and secure stable housing.