The National Family Preservation Network’s Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) Protocol is a response to a general lack of information in the human services field about current IFPS resources, research, tools, and training. By providing this road map to IFPS, NFPN intends to expand the availability of these services and ensure that they remain rooted in proven, research-based models.

From its inception, the role of IFPS programs have been to preserve families by keeping children with their parents whenever possible and by providing families with needed resources to safely stay together. IFPS values and beliefs are the foundation for the range of home-based services available across the country today.

Providing IFPS to families at imminent risk of out-of-home placement is the most cost-effective way to preserve families. IFPS services are cost-effective at a placement prevention rate of only 20% to 25%; most IFPS programs have placement prevention rates at least three to four times higher, thus resulting in considerable savings to states.

Federal legislation and policies have consistently supported family preservation services programs although interpretations of the Adoption and Safe Families Act have shifted the focus somewhat to adoption.

NFPN provides resources, tools, training, and technical assistance to states for IFPS services. After reviewing the protocol, please let us know how we may assist you.

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