The Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First), enacted in February 2018, is one of the most significant pieces of child welfare legislation passed in recent history. It enables child welfare systems to receive federal funding to provide evidence- based programs and services to prevent children from entering foster care (Public Law 115-123). States and Tribes electing to participate can receive federal reimbursement for evidence- based mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services, and parent skill-based programs that include individual and family counseling.

View the full brief here.