As we close out 2011, the National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) shares the highlights of this past year and offers some free and special holiday-priced resources to give you a good start in the new year. 

Achievements

During 2011, NFPN achieved the following:

• Developed the Complete Guide to Father Involvement with information about model programs and over 30 resources for strengthening father involvement programs.
• Completed a nationwide survey and report on Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS). The report includes information and charts on exemplary IFPS state programs, IFPS adapted for safety related services, and less intensive services. Over half the states are represented in this report.
• Offered three reliable and valid tools for family functioning. The tools are in use by over 700 agencies worldwide. More than 1100 workers received training through the accompanying training packages on how to effectively use the tools with the families they serve.
• Use of the assessment tools and father involvement materials greatly expanded internationally this year, especially in the United Kingdom, Latin American, and the Caribbean.
• NFPN provided training and technical assistance on our resources in Alaska, Arkansas, California, and Rhode Island as well as the United Kingdom and Singapore.

Read more: The Year In Review

In 1994 the first nationwide survey of Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) was published by the National Family Preservation Network (NFPN). In 2007, NFPN published an updated survey with information on strong IFPS programs in 20 states.

The 2011 IFPS Survey report includes findings from exemplary IFPS programs nationwide, a new use of IFPS for safety related services, information about less intensive services that states are providing, and a directory for resources, training, and technical assistance.

Read more: Nationwide IFPS Survey Completed

In 1993 the National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) was instrumental in the passage of the Family Preservation and Support Act, the only federal legislation specifically designating funding for family preservation. This source of funding was incorporated into the Promoting Safe and Stable Family Program (PSSF) in 1997. The legislation is approved for a maximum of 5 years and Congress has just reauthorized funding.

Here's a summary of what the legislation contains:

• $345 million in mandatory funding and $200 million in discretionary funds
• States are required to develop a five-year plan as to how they will spend the funds, report annually on progress, and provide a final report on funding
• Funds must be spent primarily in four categories of services with at least 20% going to each category: family support, family preservation, time-limited reunification, and adoption promotion and support. About 25% of the funds are currently spent on family preservation.
• PSSF also includes designated funding for tribes, court improvement, monthly caseworker visits, and substance abuse treatment.

Read more: Federal Approval for Family Preservation Funds and Waivers