Sioux City Times

U.S. Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Dan Kildee (D-MI) have introduced the Strengthening Evidence-Based Prevention Services Act, a legislative effort aimed at keeping vulnerable children out of the foster care system by funding comprehensive evaluations of prevention services.

“Families that welcome foster children into their homes are special people. These kids are among the most vulnerable in our communities and deserve a safe, loving place to call home. While we work to strengthen our foster care system, we also need to commit to keeping children out of foster care and with their families,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Unfortunately, right now, programs that offer prevention services – like substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and parental coaching – lack the full funding that they need to provide these vital services because we haven’t pledged enough resources to studying and certifying the effectiveness of these prevention services, and that evidence is a prerequisite to receive funding. My bill will ensure that we can quickly and efficiently evaluate prevention services, verify their effectiveness, and connect families and children with tools to enhance their lives and wellbeing. By investing in our families and keeping vulnerable children out of the foster care system, we can improve child welfare and strengthen our families and communities.”

Rep. Jason Smith, Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, emphasized the importance of supporting state child welfare agencies in meeting research standards set by the 2018 Family First Prevention Services Act: “There is a significant opportunity for states to invest in evidence-based prevention programs that support children at home before they enter the child welfare system. However, states need support to develop and expand the evidence base required for the Family First Prevention Services Clearinghouse.”

“As a former social worker, one of my top priorities in Congress is providing our children and their families with the care and support they need. To do that, we must invest in finding the programs and services that work for our communities,” said Rep. Kildee. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will get us one step closer to ensuring every mid-Michigan child grows up in a safe, loving home.”

Kristie Oliver, Executive Director of the Coalition for Family & Children's Services in Iowa, praised the initiative: “The Strengthening Evidence-based Prevention Services Act of 2024 is a crucial step toward enhancing the effectiveness of Iowa’s interventions by providing essential funding for evaluating evidence-based programs... This legislation will empower the state...to implement and expand proven preventive measures.”

Patrick Lester from Voice for Adoption highlighted potential benefits: “This legislation will spur new innovations that will keep families intact – including adoptive families – and keep children out of the foster care system... It will ultimately produce both better outcomes for children and long-term savings to the taxpayer.”

Marlo Nash from Children’s Home Society of America noted: “The Strengthening Evidence-Based Prevention Services Act... highlights competitive grants' critical role in empowering non-profits on the frontlines who are partnering with children...to disrupt conditions...that can limit potential.”

Linda Spears from CWLA stated: “It is imperative that we advance our knowledge of programs...that effectively keep children...together... CWLA applauds Representatives Feenstra and Kildee for making this important step towards fully realizing Family First's potential.”

Michele Jolin from Results for America commented on federal spending: "Results for America supports this legislation...to direct more funding to building evidence for what works to improve outcomes for children."

Bradley Thomas from Triple P America commended Feenstra's leadership: "Triple P America commends introduction of [the act] ...to ensure FFPSA can better serve communities while upholding commitment to evidence-based practice."

Patrick Lawler from Youth Villages expressed support: "Youth Villages supports [the act] ... We commend Representatives Feenstra (R-IA) and Kildee (D-MI) for addressing financial consequences requiring states conduct evaluations."

Chase Sackett from America Forward emphasized innovation needs: "America Forward is proud to support [the act] as critical addition [to Family First]."

Timothy J. Wood from Family Centered Treatment Foundation urged reconsideration: "Congress must thoroughly reconsider research standards for FFPSA soon through legislative action."

Prevention services aim to prevent children from entering foster care. The 2018 Family First Prevention Services Act aids states in implementing evidence-based programs but faces challenges due to insufficient research funding.

The proposed bill would authorize grants through HHS's Administration for Children and Families to fund evaluations necessary for receiving federal assistance under FFPSA.

Full legislative text can be found HERE.

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