Limited Time Remains to Pass the Family First Prevention Services Act

For Immediate Release: December 1, 2016

Washington D.C. – After months of work, compromise and negotiation, limited time remains for Congress to pass the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). On Tuesday, the bill was stripped from the 21st Century Cures Act due to the objection of a few Senators.

The Family First Prevention Services Act contains many important provisions which would allow federal Title IV-E foster care funds to be used for prevention services, including substance use treatment services, mental health services, and in home-parenting skills for families in or at risk of becoming involved with the foster care system.

“We’re really getting down to the wire for the Family First Act,” said Bruce Lesley, president of the First Focus Campaign for Children. “Congress must act now to ensure this bill is attached to the continuing resolution for the sake of the 428,000 kids in foster care.”

FFPSA also reauthorizes the Court Improvement Program (CIP), incentivizes the reduction of congregate care placement, extends Education Training Vouchers to 26, and provides grants to states to implement an electronic interstate case processing system.

With Congress adjourning next week, the passage of this bill – and the fate of thousands of children and families – hangs in the balance.

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The First Focus Campaign for Children is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization affiliated with First Focus, a bipartisan children’s advocacy organization. The Campaign for Children advocates directly for legislative change in Congress to ensure children and families are a priority in federal policy and budget decisions. For more information, visit www.campaignforchildren.org.

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