FAQs

Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Implementation in Washington State

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was signed into law on Feb. 9, 2018. The goal was to create new opportunities for states to receive federal reimbursements for services that help strengthen families so children can safely remain with their parents and caregivers. FFPSA also focuses on improving the well-being of children and their families already experiencing child welfare involvement.

The purpose of the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) team is to implement Washington state's Prevention plan — to develop, deploy, and monitor the Plan implementing specific defined services and supports for Washington state’s children and families.

Guiding principles:

  • A relentless focus on outcomes for children.
  • A commitment to collaboration and transparency.
  • A commitment to using data to inform and evaluate reforms, leveraging and aligning existing services with desired child outcomes.   
  • A focus on supporting staff as they contribute to the agency’s goals and outcomes.

We partner with state and local agencies, tribes, and other organizations in communities across Washington with a focus on supporting children and families at their most vulnerable points, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Other important things to know about FFPSA:

  • Implementation of Family First requires a fundamental shift for child welfare agencies, their practice, funding and service provision. This transition will take time.
  • Family First is designed to align federal funding and policy with current research on what works best for children and their families.
  • As with any effort, coordination of communication among federal, state, tribal, and local governments is necessary.
  • A purpose-built child welfare technology system creates better support for families and children, increases the quality of service for families and ultimately positively impacts child welfare staff’s ability to conduct daily tasks.
  • Enacting strategies to safely reduce the number of children in foster care is a necessary priority of DCYF, and this priority can be seen in efforts to improve permanency for youth already in out-of-home care.

What has DCYF done to prepare for FFPSA implementation?

Washington state has taken a comprehensive, phased approach to preparing for FFPSA implementation, focusing on building staff capacity, strengthening practice, and creating the infrastructure needed for long‑term success. 

  • DCYF has expanded staff development through statewide Motivational Interviewing (MI) training, ensuring all staff have a consistent, family‑centered foundation. 
  • Offices across the state have completed baseline readiness assessments to identify strengths and gaps, while policy teams have worked to interpret federal guidance and align state policy accordingly. 
  • DCYF has also held listening sessions with families, providers, Tribes, and community partners to shape a community‑based prevention pathway that reflects real needs and experiences.
  • In addition, the state has added several culturally responsive evidence‑based programs to expand service options for families. To support future implementation, DCYF conducted a feasibility study for a data management system to support the community‑based pathway. 
     

Who is eligible for FFPSA in Washington state?
Washington has defined eligibility as children involved in a DCYF program with in-home intervention or court ordered services. Examples include: 

  • Family Assessment Response (FAR) 
  • Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigation 
  • Family Voluntary Services (FVS) 
  • Children on trial return home following placement 
  • Adoption displacement 
  • Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) – also part of the community-based pathway 
  • State Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) residential release 
  • Pregnant or Parenting DCYF involved youth 
  • Eligibility may also apply to:
    • Children involved in a county juvenile court probation program and residential release 
    • As defined by a Tribal Nation 

Who can receive FFPSA services?
Washington state can claim federal reimbursement for services provided to eligible children identified in the agency’s prevention plan. These children must be involved in a DCYF program with in-home intervention or court ordered services. These services have to be evidence-based and approved by the federal Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse.

What is the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse?

The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide support to children and families and prevent foster care placements.

What types of services can be claimed?
FFPSA allows states to claim reimbursement for evidence-based prevention services that help keep children safely with their families. These fall into three categories:

  • Mental health treatment
  • Substance use treatment
  • In-home parent skill-based programs

Services for these individuals are provided up to 12 months at a time. There is a possibility of additional 12-month periods if a new eligibility determination is made. Services must be rated as Well-Supported, Supported, or Promising by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. The list of proposed services are listed in the current FFPSA Prevention Plan. 

What services are on WA’s prevention plan? 
Washington’s current approved prevention plan includes the following evidence-based and trauma-informed services: 

How did WA decide which services are in the prevention plan?
Prevention services are selected based on a rating from the Title IV-E Clearinghouse. To claim Title IV-E reimbursement, a service must be categorized as promising, supported, or well-supported on the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. The Clearinghouse requires that services must be trauma-informed, evidence-based, and have a manual on how to administer the service.

The service also provides one of the following:

  • Mental health prevention and treatment services provided by a qualified clinician
  • Substance use prevention and treatment services provided by a qualified clinician
  • In-home parent skill-based including parenting skills training, parent education, and individual and family counseling.

What can prevention services do for me?

You and your family, along with the caseworker, will determine your specific needs and goals. Together you will create a prevention plan to address the identified goals and needs. Your family will then be referred for services such as:

  • Counseling
  • Parent education/support
  • Child care
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Domestic violence resources
  • Educational evaluations for children
  • Mental health support
  • Housing assistance
  • Concrete goods

How can I access prevention services?

To request voluntary services, families may call the hotline and request assistance. Due to the voluntary nature of this program, a family can refer themselves if they are seeking prevention services and believe they can benefit from Family First Prevention Services.

I know a family who could benefit from prevention services; what should I do?

If you know a family who could benefit from prevention services, please review the Family Voluntary Services brochure and talk to the family about how Family First may be able to assist them.

*Please be aware the following phone numbers take you to the statewide intake line where concerns for child abuse and neglect can be reported. DCYF has one intake center where services can be requested, and concerns for abuse and neglect can also be reported.

Find your region.

Region 1

1-800-557-9671

Region 2

855-420-5888

Region 3

(866) 829-2153

Region 4

1-800-609-8764

Region 5

1-888-713-6115

Region 6

1-866-764-2233

DCYF believes that children do best in a strong family and that families do best with support from their communities. Through Family First, DCYF is dedicated to increasing community support for families to build a stronger continuum of services. Collaborations between DCYF, Chapin Hall, and Community Partners are underway to keep children with their families safely.

The earlier we can offer prevention services and supports, the more likely we are to significantly reduce the number of children and youth in out-of-home care. Please review DCYF’s Strategic Priorities for 2021-2026 for more information.

How are Tribal Nations involved?
FFPSA implementation is guided by government-to-government engagement. Tribal Nations help shape service pathways, communication materials, and data approaches. They lead in the development of their respective prevention plans consistent with community needs. 

How are Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) and Juvenile Courts involved?
Shared messaging, joint training, and cross-system consultation help ensure families receive consistent support across systems.

How will providers and community partners be kept informed?

Through newsletters, partner briefings, community forums, and co-developed materials. Providers will receive clear referral pathways and documentation expectations as they are finalized. Sign up for the Family First Newsletter to stay up to date. 

Early Learning

Find Child Care/Early Learning
Early Learning Navigator
Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)

Mental Health

Behavioral Health Organizations
Health Care Authority – Mental Health Services

Substance Use

Behavioral Health Organizations
Health Care Authority – Substance Use Services

Parent Education/Support

Eat, Sleep, Console
Help Me Grow
Safe Families
Strengthening Families Washington
Department of Health Family Services
YWCA Domestic Violence Services
Department of Social and Health Domestic Violence Services

*DCYF partners with many local and statewide agencies across Washington. This list is not all-inclusive.

What are culturally responsive services?

Culture includes the shared social behavior and norms of a society. This can include shared knowledge, beliefs, laws, arts, customs, habits, priorities, expectations, and many other shared practices. Culturally responsive services would involve proactively engaging with people in ways that are appropriate within their cultural values, behaviors, and norms.

Will culturally responsive services be offered as part of FFPSA?

Yes. Family Spirit was added to our current prevention plan. 

What is Motivational Interviewing? 

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice (EBP) that has wide use and application across various settings including medical, behavioral health, education, and social work. MI provides a framework for child welfare staff to reach, engage and empower families in a collaborative, goal-oriented communication style. This person-centered approach addresses the common challenge of ambivalence to change. It has the potential to help families affirm the change necessary, overcome barriers and attain service plan goals more aligned with their individual needs. In turn, using MI strategies can help child welfare staff more effectively partner with families to create services plans that are more family driven and prevention oriented.

Miller, W.R.  & Rollnick, S. (2013) Motivational Interviewing: Helping people to change (3rd Edition). Guilford Press.

How is Motivational Interviewing (MI) connected to FFPSA? 

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is one of the approved prevention services in Washington’s prevention plan. MI is the only prevention service in Washington’s plan that caseworkers and community providers will be trained to offer. The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse rates MI as a well-supported practice.

What are the anticipated benefits of using MI in child welfare work?

Motivational Interviewing transforms how child welfare staff engage and partner with families through affirming and transforming service experiences. Benefits include:

  • Youth and families experience an increased participation and ownership in case planning; shared power and accountability in progress; increased confidence; and judgment-free communication about the natural hesitation to change.
  • Widespread practice improvement, changing how practitioners engage and partner with families.
  • Stronger partnerships with families may lead to more consistent engagement in preventive services and the achievement of family goals.
  • Implementing MI broadly allows jurisdictions to offer EBP services and claim for more children under FFPSA  
  • Claiming for MI contributes to meeting the FFPSA requirement that 50% of reimbursable costs be for interventions rated “well-supported,” thus enabling more claiming on EBPs with lower evidentiary ratings. 

Sources: Motivational Interviewing: A Guide to Family First Implementation, March 2022

As a community provider, how do I access motivational interviewing training? 

We are no longer offering the community approach. We hope to begin this phase in the future.

Where do I find Kinship Navigator services in my community? 

Visit the Foster Parenting and Kinship Care webpage for more information on Kinship Navigator Programs in your area. View county specific services and resources. 

Where can I get legal advice and assistance as a kinship caregiver?  

LAARK is a statewide legal advice program that is housed at the King County Bar Association. The program provides free legal advice to kinship caregivers in Washington on matters related to the children in their care. Topics include minor guardianship, the child welfare system, education, housing, and public benefits.

LAARK lawyers offer free legal advice and referrals to kinship caregivers over the phone. LAARK does not assist people who are not kinship caregivers. LAARK is open to Washington state kinship caregivers and caregivers living outside the state who have legal disputes in Washington.

LAARK does not represent caregivers in court. There is no income restriction for LAARK.

Apply online at LAARK’s website, or call the LAARK voicemail and leave a message at 206-267-7075. 

Can Washington state claim Kinship Navigator program services?

FFPSA provides DCYF reimbursement for evidence-based Kinship Navigator programs. These services link relative caregivers to a broad range of services and support to help children safely remain in their care.

Washington’s Kinship Navigator program was approved as an evidence‑based program after a collaborative evaluation effort led by DCYF, the Aging and Long‑Term Support Administration (ALTSA), and the University of Washington (UW). 

Visit the Foster Parenting and Kinship Care webpages for more information.

What is a Qualified Residential Treatment Program (QRTP)?

A QRTP provides support for young people in a group setting with staff who are awake all the time. QRTPs support young people to learn skills to help manage emotions and behaviors. These programs support young people to prepare for their next home when they are ready. QRTPs must meet federal FFPSA requirements to qualify for Title IV‑E reimbursement. Learn More. 

What are the requirements for child welfare agencies?

Public child welfare agencies must meet detailed assessment, case planning, documentation, judicial determinations and ongoing review and permanency hearing requirements for a child to be placed in and continue to receive federal Title IV-E funding for QRTP placement. QRTPs are a subset of licensed group care facilities; they do not wholly replace them.

The QRTP requirements are necessary for all non-family homes where the state wants to claim Title IV-E.  

What roles do background checks serve for QRTPs? 

The FFPSA requires all group care staff, including those not working directly with children, to complete a fingerprint-based background check before they can work in a group care facility. Effective Jul. 1, 2019, all group care staff must complete the fingerprint-based background check before they can work in a facility.

Facilities must also be licensed and comply with criminal records and child abuse and neglect registry check requirements and must be accredited. The majority of the QRTP facilities have received their accreditation but there are still a couple of facilities that are actively working towards completing accreditation. DCYF has no intention of cancelling contracts for those that are actively seeking accreditation. Ultimately, all BRS facilities will need to meet FFPSA QRTP standards.   

Email: cabc@dcyf.wa.gov 

When were QRTP services approved under Washington’s FFPSA Prevention Plan? 

Child welfare practices and procedure policies were updated in Oct. 2019 to reflect the FFPSA requirements related to the QRTP. DCYF submitted their plan updates to the federal Children’s Bureau in Dec. 2019 and received feedback from the Children’s Bureau in Spring 2020. They addressed their questions and made minor updates to the policy. On Oct. 8, 2020, the Children’s Bureau approved the updated policy, state plan and qualified individual waiver. You can view the approved policy and the waiver form.

Where can I find out more about QRTPs? 

Learn more by visiting FFPSA QRTP webpage.

What is Title IV-E?

Title IV-E of the Social Security Act provides for federal reimbursement for a part of the costs of providing foster care to children. Title IV-E assistance is also available for adoption and legal guardianship support costs. FFPSA amended the Title IV-E program to authorize support for certain evidence-based services to prevent the need for children to enter foster care.

What needs to be in place for Title IV-E prevention services reimbursement under FFPSA?  

To be able to claim for Title IV-E Prevention services, you must have:

  • Approval of prevention services by our federal partners as outlined in the Prevention plan
  • Prevention candidacy eligibility determination documented by the Title IV-E agency
  • A case plan (prevention plan) that includes child specific services developed and agreed upon by the family.

What types of services can be claimed?
FFPSA allows states to claim reimbursement for evidence-based prevention services that help keep children safely with their families. These fall into three categories:

  • Mental health treatment
  • Substance use treatment
  • In-home parent skill-based programs

Services for these individuals are provided up to 12 months at a time. There is a possibility of additional 12-month periods if a new eligibility determination is made. 
Services must be rated as Well-Supported, Supported, or Promising by the Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse. The list of proposed services are listed in the current FFPSA Prevention Plan. 

What can be claimed under FFPSA?

Case management, referrals, and navigation services are generally considered part of the administrative costs that go along with delivering FFPSA eligible services. States can claim reimbursement for activities such as:

  • Assessments to determine eligibility
  • Creating prevention plans
  • Making referrals to approved services
  • Monitoring and overseeing the appropriateness of services
  • Training for DCYF staff (e.g., Motivational Interviewing) 
  • Time Limited Prevention: Up to 12 months of services for families with children at risk of foster care (mental health, substance abuse, parent skills)

What cannot be claimed under FFPSA?

  • Group care/Congregate living settings beyond a two-week limit do not qualify for funding.
  • Services not rated as “promising,” “supported,” or “well-supported” by the Title IV-E Clearing House.
  • Broad ongoing family support programs.
  • Any service not included in the states’ approved Family First Prevention Plan.

These activities may still be valuable but are not claimable.

What if a service included in Washington’s FFPSA Title IV-E Five-year Prevention Services Plan is already covered by Medicaid? 

Title IV-E pays as a last resort. This means that if services can be paid for by another private or public provider (such as Medicaid), that provider must cover the cost before Title IV-E reimbursement is used. 

See federal guidance ACYF-CB-PI-18-09 “I. Payer of last resort” (p. 12). 

How will providers know what they can claim?

DCYF will provide:

  • Training in documentation and eligibility
  • Clear guidance on which services qualify
  • Ongoing communication as CCWIS progresses
  • Performance based contracting outlining terms and conditions

Providers will be partners in ensuring accurate and timely documentation.

What documentation is required for claiming?

To claim federal reimbursement, states must document information consistent with federal reporting components such as:

  1. Eligibility (child is a candidate for foster care or a pregnant/parenting youth)
  2. Service type (must be an approved evidence-based model)
  3. Provider qualifications
  4. Service delivery dates and dosage
  5. Case plan connection (service must be part of the prevention plan)

The ProFam system design anticipates meeting these documentation requirements once the system launches in 2029.

When will Washington begin claiming?

Washington’s ProFam system is projected to be fully operational in 2029 with claiming as an essential component of its implementation. The current system requires data management system enhancements to fully meet FFPSA reporting requirements. The next several years focus on:

  • Aligning practice
  • Preparing documentation standards
  • Training staff and providers
  • Ensuring data readiness
  • Community and stakeholder engagement

This early preparation reduces administrative burden later. Preparing staff, aligning practice and building strong community-based pathways builds a foundation for success. 

Will Tribal Nations be able to claim?

Tribal Nations may choose to:

  • Claim through their own IV-E plan, or
  • Partner with the state for claiming

Washington will work government-to-government to ensure Tribal sovereignty and support Tribal-led pathways.

Can Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) or Juvenile Courts claim?

Not directly. However, services delivered to eligible youth or families involved with JR or the courts may be claimable if:

  • The youth meets FFPSA eligibility criteria
  • The service is evidence-based, and
  • Documentation meets federal requirements

Cross-system alignment is being looked at to make sure accurate processes and documentation occur.

What is a community-based pathway?

Community-based pathways are critical supports available in the community. Families can access these without entering the child welfare system. FFPSA allows states to use federal funds for prevention services like these to keep families safely together. Washington is prioritizing community-based pathways like Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) and Plan of Safe Care.

Can Washington claim for community-based pathway services for FRS and POSC?

Yes, but only the portions that meet federal criteria.

  • Family Reconciliation Services (FRS): Only if the service delivered is an approved evidence-based model and the child meets eligibility.
  • Plans of Safe Care (POSC): When the service provided is an approved evidence-based intervention tied to the plan.

What is ProFam?

ProFam is a Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS). This case management information system is being designed for state and tribal title IV-E agencies to support child welfare program needs. It will replace the current, dated system called FamLink.

What role does the ProFam case management system play in supporting FFPSA?

DCYF believes that successfully implementing the new ProFam system will bring significant benefits, including allowing Washington to receive federal reimbursement for services that strengthen families and keep children safely at home. As rollout planning continues, ProFam will play a key role in supporting FFPSA evidence‑based programs such as mental health, substance use, and in‑home skill‑based services.

How will FFPSA affect child welfare staff?

Staff will receive clear guidance, training, and tools to support FFPSA pathways and ProFam-aligned documentation. The goal is to make the work easier, not harder, by preparing early and providing consistent communication and supports.

What should staff working with children and families focus on before claiming begins?

  • Understanding FFPSA eligible services
  • Learning how community-based pathways connect to prevention
  • Strengthening documentation practices (e.g., development of case plans on open cases)
  • Participating in training and readiness activities
  • Providing feedback to help shape ProFam requirements

What role do lived experts play?

Lived experts (youth, parents, and kinship caregivers) inform messaging, training, and service improvements. Their insights make sure that FFPSA pathways reflect real family experiences. They are paid for their time and expertise.