Kentucky to Use New Federal Law to Keep More Kids out of Foster Care
Child advocates in Kentucky say a new federal law aims to help at-risk families and prevent youth from entering the foster care system.
While it doesn’t provide any new funding, the Family First Prevention Services Act signed by President Donald Trump last year gives states more flexibility in how they spend federal money on child welfare.
Kentucky says it will invest more at the front-end of cases by supporting families with things such as parenting education, substance abuse resources, and mental health services.
Jessica Brown, executive advisor in the Department for Community Based Services, says the goal is to keep more families together.
“Any time we can reduce separation from their family of origin, it will help reduce trauma for children,” Brown told WKU Public Radio. “We know there are poorer outcomes for children that linger in the foster care system, particularly in a congregant care setting.”
DCBS Commissioner Eric Clark said in a news release that of the approximately …
