Expand Intensive Family Preservation (IFPS)
What Can Policymakers Do?
·
Require research-based intensive family preservation services.
Washington
state statute [i] requires that IFPS incorporate many characteristics of Homebuilders ,™ an IFPS model that has shown positive results in reducing out of home placement rates and increasing reunification. It is estimated that programs that incorporate the key elements of the Homebuilders model produce $2.59 of benefits for each dollar of cost. [ii]
·
Require family preservation services across the continuum of child welfare services.
Illinois statute[iii] requires the Illinois Department of Children and Families to offer and provide family preservation services to prevent placement, reunite families, and maintain adoptive families.
[i]
(Wash. Rev. Code Sec 74.14C.020),
[ii]
Intensive Family Preservation Programs: Program Fidelity Influences Effectiveness—Revised (February 2006), Washington State Institute for Public Policy. Accessed on 1/23/09 http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/06-02-3901.pdf