IFPS ToolKit

The National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) is pleased to present the IFPS ToolKit, a comprehensive guide for establishing and strengthening Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS).

The year 2009 marks the 35th anniversary of the first Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) program. Within two decades, IFPS programs were operating in 35 states with most of them following the original model known as HOMEBUILDERS®.

NFPN was established in 1992 as the primary national voice for the preservation of families. With funding from the Edna McConnell Clark and Annie E. Casey Foundations, NFPN was equipped to provide the training and technical assistance necessary to implement quality IFPS programs nationwide. In support of NFPN's efforts the Clark Foundation published an information packet on IFPS in 1994. NFPN updated the IFPS packet in 2003 and posted an electronic version.

While both of these packets still contain useful information, in the past six years there has been an explosion of knowledge about IFPS as evidenced by:
  • the creation of a new assessment tool that pinpoints the effectiveness of services,
  • new research that emphasizes model fidelity and demonstrates the effectiveness of IFPS with a broad variety of families and problems,
  • establishment of new IFPS programs and the strengthening/expansion of existing programs, and
  • additional proof of the outstanding safety record and cost-effectiveness of IFPS.
In order to share the most recent knowledge about IFPS, NFPN held an IFPS Summit in October 2008. Public child welfare agencies identified as having a statewide IFPS program were invited to attend and 16 of the 20 invited states sent a representative. Two other states wishing to establish an IFPS program also sent representatives.
As the Summit participants discussed new information and research about IFPS, it became apparent that a new publication would be needed to capture and disseminate these findings.

Thus, NFPN has produced and is now offering the IFPS ToolKit as a comprehensive resource guide for the development and maintenance of strong and effective IFPS services. The ToolKit includes:
  • Definition and history of IFPS,
  • Benefits,
  • Standards,
  • Performance measures,
  • Federal funding sources,
  • Payment structure for contractors,
  • Latest research,
  • Step-down services,
  • Evaluation measures,
  • Success stories, and
  • Resources for IFPS.
There is also information on IFPS as it applies to reunification services, including a proposed model for Intensive Family Reunification Services (IFRS).

To get a copy of the IFPS ToolKit, visit:
http://nfpn.org/preservation/ifps-toolkit.html
NFPN invites you to help us broadly disseminate the IFPS ToolKit by forwarding this e-mail to your colleagues or sending them the link above.
To provide feedback on the ToolKit, please e-mail Priscilla Martens, NFPN Executive Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Copyright © 2011 National Family Preservation Network – Privacy Policy Site Map