Strategies
What Can Policymakers Do?
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Increase timely access to substance abuse treatment
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Parental substance abuse is responsible for a vast majority of foster care placements. Strategies to provide expedited access to treatment can make a difference for parents striving to have their children returned safely to their care.
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Expand Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) for reunification
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IFPS are designed to keep children out of foster care, but have been equally successful for reunification. With the right mix of support, services, and access to community resources, IFPS can provide parents with the confidence needed to raise healthy children.
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Reduce court delays
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Increasing court efficiencies can ensure that families receive timely court oversight to achieve their goals of finding permanent homes, including returning to their own homes.
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Require family involvement in decision-making
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States can promote family team decision making for children and families involved with the child welfare system.