The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was signed into law on Feb. 9, 2018, to create new opportunities for states to receive federal reimbursements for services that aid in strengthening families so children can safely remain with their parents and caregivers. Family First also focuses on improving the well-being of children and their families already experiencing DCYF involvement.
DCYF embraces Family First and will increase families’ access to supportive services. Through Family First, DCYF will create a culture of community participation in child safety and family well-being, with the intention of reducing the stigma of seeking help.
Family First also enhances DCYF’s ability to find loving, permanent homes for children and youth who must enter foster care. Applying family-centered and trauma-informed approaches to safety, permanency, and well-being are at the core of DCYF’s mission. DCYF will use Family First resources to further engage communities in growing their connections to all families.
Children’s Bureau Approves DCYF’s Prevention Plan
FFPSA Collaborative Forums
The FFPSA team is in the process of drafting an updated 5-Year Family First Prevention Plan, which will further guide the implementation of prevention services focused on keeping families together and out of the child welfare system. The original plan was created in 2020 and will expire this year (2024).
FFPSA Collaborative Forums Invitation
To help inform this plan, they are hosting in-person, regional collaborative forums open to anyone with a shared interested in these efforts including community providers, nonprofits, state and local governments, tribal partners, caregivers, and more.
- Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Tacoma Fire Fighters Hall, Tacoma, WA
These meetings will include:
- An overview of FFPSA and recent federal policy updates
- Active participation and collaboration
- Guiding the implementation of prevention services funded by FFPSA
- An opportunity to provide feedback to help guide the new 5-Year, 2025-2029 Prevention Plan
If you can’t attend the in-person event you can still learn about FFPSA and provide your feedback at a Statewide Virtual Town Hall or Virtual Listening Session.
- Oct. 8, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 10, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 15, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- Oct. 17, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- New Virtual Listening Session! Oct. 22, 2024, from 1:30 to 3:30pm
If individuals need an alternate format for this information, language interpretation services, or need another accommodation or modification to participate in this event, please contact dcyf.familyfirstact@dcyf.wa.gov seven days prior to the event.
Please send any questions to dcyf.familyfirstact@dcyf.wa.gov