State Implementation of Congregate Care Reforms for Children in Foster Care

Area of Science:

• Child Welfare Policy
• Foster Care Reform
• Residential Treatment

Background:

• The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) mandates reforms in congregate care for youth in foster care.
• States were required to implement FFPSA congregate care reforms by October 1, 2021.
• Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs) are a key component of these reforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand the baseline implementation of FFPSA congregate care reforms.
• To identify barriers, successes, and recommendations for congregate care policy and practice.
• To inform future congregate care policy and practice.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study was conducted from June to September 2022.
• National survey distributed to state child welfare agency directors.
• Focus groups held with youth, administrators, and QRTP leaders.

Main Results:

• 47 states reported ongoing FFPSA reforms, reducing congregate care and increasing kinship care.
• QRTPs are now the primary congregate care setting.
• Major barriers include workforce constraints, funding, and access to therapeutic foster care.

Conclusions:

• FFPSA implementation requires additional funding and technical assistance.
• Oversight, staff professionalization, and youth-centered approaches are crucial.
• Performance and outcome-based monitoring of QRTPs is recommended.