This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on February 23, 2024. This final rule requires state Title IV-E agencies to collect and report to ACF additional data related to the … Read More
Title IV-E
New Insights on State Kinship Diversion Policies
Defining Kinship Diversion Many families rely on kin — relatives and close family friends — to provide support in times of crisis or when a parent may need extra help. It is common for kin to step in to provide … Read More
Leveraging Title IV-E To Advance High-Quality Legal Representation & Training
NEW FEDERAL RULEMAKING FOR CHILD WELFARE LEGAL REPRESENTATION In May 2024, the U.S. Children’s Bureau published a new regulation regarding Foster Care Legal Representation. The new rule codifies and expands the opportunity for federal matching funding for legal services that … Read More
Guide for Providers: No-Cost Training Resources on Kinship/Grandfamily Mental Health Needs
Background Kinship families and grandfamilies form when grandparents, other relatives, or close family friends provide primary care for children whose parents are unable to do so. Kinship/ grandfamilies come together for a variety of reasons, including substance use, child welfare … Read More
Clearinghouse Approves New Mental Health, Substance Abuse Programs for Family First Act Funding
Last month, the clearinghouse that greenlights foster care prevention services approved several iterations of a mental intervention known as Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as a positive reinforcement approach to treating substance abuse. The clearinghouse was established in relation to … Read More
Handbook of Standards and Procedures
Introduction This Prevention Services Clearinghouse Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Version 2.0 (Handbook Version 2.0) provides a detailed description of the standards used to identify and review programs and services for the Prevention Services Clearinghouse and the procedures followed by … Read More
COVID-Era Child Welfare Financing Lessons for a Post-Pandemic World
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented global health crisis that disrupted daily life and presented unique challenges to child welfare agencies across the United States. Child welfare agencies contended with complex decisions on how, when, and if to transition … Read More
Implementing Child Welfare IT Systems Using “Low Code” Solutions
Purchasing or building software solutions to support child welfare practice can be a daunting task. These complex systems can be expensive and must meet the needs of a diverse group of users throughout the title IV-E agency. Many software companies … Read More
Child Welfare and FFPSA
The landmark bipartisan Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) represents sweeping reforms to federal child welfare policy, and it provides significant new opportunities for states to improve the health and well-being of children of all ages, including very young children … Read More
Spotlight on the Title IV-E Prevention Program and the Family First Prevention Services Act
CBX edition highlights the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), which was enacted to enhance support services for families to help children remain at home, reduce the unnecessary use of congregate care, and build the capacity of communities to support … Read More