Government Document
March 1, 2018
The Family First Prevention Services Act was signed into law as part of the Bipartisan
Budget Act on February 9, 2018. This act reforms the federal child welfare financing streams,
Title IV-E and Title IV-B of the Social Security Act, to provide services to families who are at
risk of entering the child welfare system. The bill aims to prevent children from entering foster
care by allowing federal reimbursement for mental health services, substance use treatment, and
in-home parenting skill training. It also seeks to improve the well-being of children already in
foster by incentivizing states to reduce placement of children in congregate care.