The Time is Now for Senate to Pass Family First Prevention Services Act

9/21/16

For decades, child welfare reform has had strong bipartisan support, even during times when heated partisanship has divided Congress on national matters. Several of Michigan’s own U.S Representatives and Senators have been among the most active leaders in shaping improved child welfare policy over that time.

We, and they, should be proud of those efforts. Now, before the end of 2016, Congress has the opportunity to act on a critical bill that would help Michigan expand its work to keep children safely with their families, preventing the need for foster care.

The Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) is a bipartisan compromise that recently passed the House with overwhelming support. Children’s advocates, medical professionals, foster youth, child welfare professionals, and the legislative sponsors of the bill have all worked together to craft the compromise legislation.  Michigan’s Children considers this a necessary step forward, despite the need for many more steps to follow.

The U.S. Senate has yet to act on the bill, and Senators need to now work quickly and without delay to adopt the bill into law. As an organization that works to build support for public policy in the best interest of children, youth and families, we urge them to do just that. Read more…