Most States Reduced Use Of Congregate Care After Family First Prevention Services Act Went Into Effect

Most states have reduced their use of congregate care as a placement for youth in foster care after the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) of 2018 payment reforms went into effect on October 1, 2021. The FFPSA allows states to use federal Title IV-E funds only for time-limited, clinically appropriate use of congregate care, including Qualified Residential Treatment Programs (QRTPs), for youth in foster care. After implementing the FFPSA reforms to congregate care, 28 states reported a decrease to the use of congregate care, 16 reported that placements remained at the same level, and one state reported . . .