Family First Louisiana

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The federal Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) connects families with the preventive services and support needed to strengthen the family unit and help more children remain safely at home.

It also aims to improve the well-being of children in foster care by prioritizing family placements over group care settings and enhancing the quality of care for residential treatment programs.

prevention

Prevention and Family Preservation

FFPSA recognizes that families can often provide safe and loving care if they have the necessary support and services. The legislation allows states to use federal funds to provide prevention services and programs for up to 12 months to:

• Children at risk for entering or re-entering foster care
• A child whose family has substance abuse issues
• Siblings of children in foster care who live at home
• A child with psychological or behavioral health needs whose parent/caretaker needs additional support
• Parenting or pregnant youth who are in foster care or have recently exited care
• A child living with a relative or kin caregiver

Programs

• Child First In-home Service Program

placements

Family-Like Placements

FFPSA also emphasizes the preference for family-like settings in foster care by changing the federal reimbursement criteria for out-of-home placements. Federal funds may be used for:

• Family and kinship foster homes
• Placements for pregnant or parenting youth
• Supervised independent living for youth
• Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTP) for youth with treatment needs
• High-quality residential placements and support services for victims of sex trafficking