The Family First Prevention Services Act incentivizes state systems and local agencies to move intentionally toward child welfare approaches that prioritize keeping kids safe and families together. This legislation authorizes federal reimbursement to states for the delivery of evidence-based services aimed at preventing the need for foster care.
Eligibility for these federal funds requires ensuring prevention services are delivered with fidelity and that ongoing evaluation demonstrates the services are driving the expected outcomes for Colorado’s children, youth, and families. The Colorado Lab is guiding and coordinating the ongoing rigorous evaluation of evidence-based services that are part of Colorado’s Family First Prevention Services Plan, in partnership with the Colorado Department of Human Services.
“Colorado is forward thinking in its investments in rigorous evaluation and taking a proactive, coordinated approach to building evidence for promising programs,” says Dr. Elysia Clemens, the Colorado Lab’s Deputy Director and COO. “The goal is to inform selection and scaling of services that give Colorado’s children and youth the best possible chance to grow up with their family.”