Children and teens involved in the child welfare system do best in families, where they can live in a safe, stable, happy and healthy environment that supports their growth and well-being. Maine is currently working with a cross-section of government and community members to improve the child welfare system to create better outcomes for children and families. Maine plans to enhance those efforts through the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (Family First).
What is Family First?
Family First provides states with opportunities to utilize federal funds in new and expanded ways, recognizing that children succeed in safe and stable families with parents who care for their children and have access to strong community supports. Family First realigns federal funding to promote the use quality prevention services, including trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions to mitigate the need for foster care placements. Growing up in a home with a family is essential for all kids, especially those who have experienced abuse or neglect. Family First also recognizes that too many children are unnecessarily separated from parents who could provide safe and loving care if given access to needed mental health services, substance use treatment, or strengthened parenting skills. The law creates these changes through key reforms:
- Increased funding for prevention services including mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and in-home skill-based programming for parents.
- Implementation of new requirements for residential care placements.
- Increased federal funding for Kinship Navigator Programs.
- Expanded Title IV-E funding for children whose parents are in a family-based treatment facility.
- Guidance on family foster home licensing through the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Maine Family First Prevention Services Fact Sheet (PDF)
To learn more about Maine's planning and implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act, please click on the icon's below for more information.
For more information about the Family First Prevention Services Act or to learn more about how you can be involved in this initiative, please contact OCFS Family First Program Manager Christine Theriault at Christine.Theriault@maine.gov or 207-624-7914
