Ample evidence supports the value of addressing the economic and material hardship faced by most child welfare-involved families. This brief discusses the current evidence for the value of economic and concrete supports as a child welfare prevention mechanism and identifies key program and policy implications, particularly as it pertains to the Family First Prevention Services Act. Importantly, given the disparities in economic resources and child welfare involvement for families of color, elevating strategies and programs that increase families’ economic resources will work to reduce some of these disparities and create a more equitable family-serving system. Prioritizing families’ economic and concrete support needs, connecting them to a well-resourced, community-driven prevention system, and preventing child welfare involvement and out-of-home placement with evidence-based services can meaningfully address the root causes of adverse experiences, including child abuse and neglect and trauma, ultimately allowing families to thrive.   

Read the brief here.