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.
For more details on the contents of the PSSF Reauthorization legislation, see:
http://www.cwla.org/advocacy/HR2883finalsummaryformattedforwebsite.pdf
Title IV-E Waivers
Another important component of the PSSF legislation is the reinstatement of Title IV-E waivers. Federal law (Title IV-E) provides open-ended funding for foster care placements but these funds cannot be used for other purposes.
Originally authorized in 1994, the Title IV-E waivers allow states to use the funding to provide prevention and diversion services as well as foster care services. Controversy has arisen because the Title IV-E waiver funds are generally "capped" meaning that states receive a lump sum annually and funds will not be increased if foster care placements go up instead of down. On the other hand, states can reinvest any savings on reduced out-of-home placements into additional child welfare programs and services.
Congress reauthorized the waivers this year allowing 10 per year through 2014. States can apply for the waivers to reduce length of time in foster care, increase positive outcomes for children and families, and prevent maltreatment and re-entry into foster care. Some common uses of Title IV-E waiver funds are for family decision-making meetings, concrete services (rent, utilities, food, etc.), therapeutic interventions, and visitation services.
Evaluations of Title IV-E waiver programs in 6 states (CA, FL, IN, NC, OH, OR) report these findings:
- Reduced out-of-home placement rates
- Increased number of children reunified with their families or kin
- Children spend less time in out-of-home placements
- Fewer new substantiated reports of child maltreatment
- States have generated cost savings through waivers that has allowed them to increase funding for in-home services
For a synthesis of findings on Title IV-E waivers, see: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/programs_fund/cwwaiver/2011/flexible.pdf
Fall Sale Ends on October 31
Hurry to take advantage of NFPN's fall sale. You will receive a 20% discount on all products above $500 (assessment tools and father involvement training packages) and free shipping on all products below $500. Order today as the sales ends October 31!
For a complete list of NFPN products, visit:
http://www.nfpn.org/products.html