IL HR0362

Family First Prevention Services Act was signed into federal law on February 9, 2018 as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act to restructure federal child welfare spending and keep more children with families.

Provides federal reimbursement for prevention services including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, in-home parenting skill training, and family therapy to prevent children from entering foster care.

Allows states with approved Title IV-E plans to use federal funds for up to 12 months of prevention services for families at risk and up to 12 months of reimbursement for children placed with a parent in licensed residential family-based treatment facilities for substance abuse.

Requires foster care placements to be in the least restrictive, most family-like settings and allows short-term residential treatment (typically under 90 days) with six months of follow-up aftercare when children return home.

House Resolution urges Illinois to support and implement the Family First Prevention Services Act to reduce the number of children entering the foster care system.