Family First Prevention Services Act Part IV

On February 9, 2018, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 - Public Law (P.L.) 115-123 which includes the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) was signed into law. The FFPSA amends the Title IV-E foster care program and makes other revisions to the Title IV-B, subparts 1 and 2 programs.

The FFPSA seeks to keep children safely with their families and avoid the traumatic experience of entering foster care, emphasizes the importance of children/youth/nonminor dependents growing up in families and helps ensure children are placed in the least restrictive, most family-like setting appropriate to their individual needs when foster care is needed. Part IV of FFPSA requires that states take steps to reduce the use of congregate care for children by limiting the conditions under which Title IV-E funds can be used for residential and group care, and requiring that all children placed into congregate care receive an objective assessment, conducted by a Qualified Individual (QI), who determines the setting which will provide the child with the most effective and appropriate level of care in the least restrictive environment, consistent with the short- and long-term goals for the child, as specified in the permanency plan. To fulfill Congressional intent, states must ensure that the assessment is objective and performed by a person who is qualified to make the determination and conduct the necessary activities.

The FFPSA Part IV establishes new requirements for placements in congregate care settings to be eligible for Title IV-E federal financial participation (FFP) with the aim of limiting reliance upon such settings and making certain any placement in congregate care is necessary and that the child’s needs cannot instead be met with family membersor in a family home.

• As a condition of Federal Financial Participation (FFP), FFPSA requires that Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (STRTPs and Community Treatment Facilities in California) be accredited.
• Operation of a trauma-informed treatment model and organizational framework able to meet the clinical needs of children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders or disturbances.
• Access to a licensed or registered nurse, not necessarily a direct employee of the facility and other licensed clinical staff available 24/7.
• Provision of discharge planning and family-based aftercare support for at least six months post-discharge.
• Prioritizing family members participate in the child’s treatment program in ways that support the child’s best interests.
• Make regular efforts to reach out and involve family members in ways that support the child’s relationships and well-being and keep current contact information for all known biological family and other caring adults.
• Document in the Needs and Services Plan and the Mental Health progress notes, how family members are integrated into the treatment process for the child, including post discharge from the STRTP, and how sibling connections are maintained.
• An Assessment by a Qualified Individual (QI) to assess the needs and strengths of the child and if those needs can be met in a family-based setting. If the needs cannot be met in a family-based setting, determine the least restrictive and most appropriate level of care to meet the needs.
  • Uses evidence-based, validated, functional assessment tool. (California is using the Integrated Practice Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths(IP-CANS)) tool as part of the QI assessment.
• New court hearing requirements for each new placement determination, including specified findings.

Technical Assistance and Training

To request County specific Technical Assistance, contact the FFPSA inbox at FFPSA@dss.ca.gov
For upcoming QI trainings see UCD Qualified Individual
For questions concerning Aftercare, contact Wraparoundquestions@dss.ca.gov

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

To access all FAQ’s for FFPSA Part IV please see UCD FFPSA Part IV

FFPSA Overview Webinar

• FFPSA Part IV Overview
• FFPSA Judicial Council of California Overview

FFPSA Part IV Implementation Guidance

ACIN – 1-73-21 (September 8, 2021)
Family First Prevention Services Act Implementation In California

ACL 25-57 (August 4, 2025) County Placing Agency Data Collection For California Qualified Individual (QI) Requirements

ACL 25-52 (September 16, 2025) Additional Guidance On Family First Prevention Service Act (FFPSA) And Requirements For The Qualified Individual (QI)

ACL 25-47 /BHIN 25-027 (July 8, 2025)
FFPSA Part IV Aftercare Services Utilizing California’s High Fidelity Wraparound Model

ACL 21-113 (September 30, 2021)
Assessments By A Qualified Individual (QI) For Placements In Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTPs) Under The Requirements Of The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) And Assembly Bill (AB) 153 (CHAPTER 86, STATUTES OF 2021)

• ACL 21-113 (Attachment): Importing a File Guide
• ACL 21-113 (Attachment): QI Assessment Report
• ACL 21-113 (Attachment): Qualified Individual Referral Form

ACL 21-114 (September 30, 2021)
Court Review And Case Plan Requirements For Placements In Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs Under California's Implementation Of The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) Via Assembly Bill 153, Chapter 86, Statutes Of 2021

• ACL 21-114 (Attachment 1)
• ACL 21-114 (Attachment 2)
• ACL 21-114 (Attachment 3)

ACL 21-115 (September 29, 2021)
Nursing Services For Children And Nonminor Dependents In Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs

ACL 21-116 (September 30, 2021)
FFPSA Part IV Aftercare Requirements

• ACL 21-116 (Attachment A)
• ACL 21-116 (Attachment B)