Changes in funding and policy often shape child welfare therapy, family therapy, and the juvenile justice system by directly impacting the resources available to families and the strategies employed by practitioners.
Understanding these macro-level changes can empower child welfare and juvenile justice professionals to adapt their practices and continue providing the highest level of care and support.
In this blog, we'll explore trends and legislative developments that influence the fields of family therapy, child welfare therapy, and juvenile justice, as well as what they mean today and for the future of these critical services.
Federal Legislation Impacting Family and Child Welfare Therapy
In recent years, federal legislation has increasingly focused on addressing the complex needs of children and families involved in family therapy and child welfare systems.
Recognizing the critical role these fields play in safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable populations, lawmakers have introduced several crucial pieces of legislation designed to improve outcomes and expand access to essential services like family support services and child welfare therapy.
Family First Prevention Services Act
One notable law is the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA), which aims to reduce the number of children entering foster care by funding preventive services like family child welfare therapy programs. This legislation emphasizes the importance of early intervention and keeping families together whenever possible.
Some of the key provisions of the FFPSA include:
- Prioritizes family-based foster care while limiting federal reimbursement for some residential care placements.
- Allows states to use funds for prevention services like in-home parent programs, substance use treatment, and evidence-based mental health programs.
- Establishes new funding opportunities for kin navigator programs.
- Improves the quality and evaluation of preventive services by requiring states to outline programs, collect data, and report outcomes to the federal government.
- Delays the evidence-based spending requirements for Title IV-E prevention services.
Grant Awards Totaling $45.1M
Another impactful initiative is the recent announcement of $45.1 million in grants by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to combat the nation's mental health and substance use crises.
Of this funding, $15.3 million went to programs targeted at children and youth, offering services such as coordinated treatment for those experiencing homelessness, child welfare therapy, mental health services within schools, grief-focused treatment for young survivors of trauma, culturally relevant support to 16-25-year-olds struggling with mental health during a life transition, family-based outpatient care pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders, capacity-building for organizations that support families raising children with emotional challenges or co-occurring disorders, and more.
These grants are a direct response to the growing awareness that systemically, we must treat mental health conditions with the same urgency and effectiveness as physical health issues—a sentiment echoed by a recent survey, which found that 75% of Americans believe mental health treatment is not as effective as it should be.
Implications for Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Therapy Practitioners
The increased focus on mental health within child welfare therapy settings presents both challenges and opportunities for professionals.
On the one hand, there is a growing demand for new or expanded mental health services, particularly for young people who have experienced trauma or are at risk of serious mental illness. On the other hand, practitioners must navigate the complexities of integrating new or additional services into existing frameworks, ensuring that they complement rather than complicate the care provided by different agencies.
Participating in specialized training programs, regularly reviewing and updating treatment protocols, and collaborating more closely with other professionals in the field to align services and continuity of care can help child welfare therapy providers and juvenile justice providers stay up to date.
FFT LLC's Considerations for EBP Implementation offers practical advice on best practices for aligning with the latest federal requirements.
Understanding Broad Trends in Juvenile Justice Reform
We're also seeing positive shifts in the juvenile justice system, reflected by less focus on punitive measures and implementing the best evidence-based practices, such as Functional Family Therapy (FFT), which focuses on improving family relationships and reducing recidivism among justice-involved youth.
Implementing the Best Evidence-Based Practices in Juvenile Justice
FFT is a systemic, family-based therapy that addresses the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency, such as poor parenting skills, family conflict, and lack of social support. It is one of the best evidence-based programs designed to help families develop healthier communication, build problem-solving skills, and strengthen their bonds.
Research shows that young people who participated in FFT:
- 77% have no new offenses 18 months post-referral.
- 89% have no drug charges 18 months post-referral.
- 95% attend school or work at treatment close.
FFT is a well-supported program under the FFPSA, which is the highest rank for evidence-based programs offered by the clearinghouse.
Increasing Adoption of Restorative Justice Practices
Additionally, there is a growing trend toward rehabilitative practices in juvenile justice, with evidence supporting community-based alternatives to detention and confinement as more effective in reducing recidivism and promoting positive youth development.
For example, we're seeing increased adoption of restorative justice practices, emphasizing repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation with victims and the community. Approaches like this foster accountability and personal growth, allowing young offenders to make amends and learn from past harmful behaviors.
In 2000, approximately 108,800 youth were incarcerated in the United States. The Sentencing Project found that by 2022, the number had decreased by 75% to approximately 27,600. While more work is needed, this trend highlights a broader movement toward a more supportive, constructive, and effective justice system for young people.
State and Federal Reform Initiatives
State and federal programs also demonstrate an increased recognition of the needs of young people in the juvenile justice system.
OJJDP, for example, recently closed a solicitation to support states in implementing policies that improve youth justice outcomes and to implement strategies that reinvest cost savings into prevention and intervention programs. These grant awards signify the OJJDP's macro-level commitment to reforming our juvenile justice system.
On a state level, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that as of 2024, 28 states, plus Washington, D.C., have banned juvenile life without parole. This change is a significant step forward in reducing the number of young people serving life sentences without the possibility of release.
Earlier this year, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Tennessee examined ways to address crimes committed by children, introducing bills that included measures to reduce the number of children who are arrested and incarcerated and to provide more support for youth who are at risk of committing crimes.
The Role of FFT LLC in Addressing and Adapting to Change
FFT LLC is well-positioned to help organizations and practitioners adapt to new federal guidelines and state-wide trends through training, support, and implementation of the best evidence-based programs and practices. FFT LLC has touched the lives of over 40,000 families annually across the globe.
With FFT, organizations across industries can stay ahead of the curve and provide the best possible care to those they serve:
- Mental health agencies can bring FFT family and child welfare therapy to their agency to improve treatment outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and enhance practitioner professional development.
- Educational institutions can implement FFT to improve student support, reduce behavioral issues, and boost attendance.
- Social services can implement FFT LLC's child welfare therapy adaptations to prevent foster care placement, promote family stability, and drive better outcomes for children.
- Juvenile justice systems benefit from FFT through reduced recidivism rates, successful reintegration, and more cost-effective interventions.
- Government agencies can leverage FFT LLC's alignment with policy requirements to save money, improve program outcomes, and achieve policy goals.
Innovations in Service Delivery
FFT LLC’s parent company recently developed virtual training and eLearning resources to meet the increasingly prevalent need for virtual services, remote work, and digital professional development.
Another way FFT LLC innovates service delivery is through adaptions of the foundational model of Functional Family Therapy to meet various contexts in child welfare therapy and justice systems:
- Functional Family Therapy
- Functional Family Therapy through Child Welfare (FFT-CW®)
- Functional Family Therapy-Gang (FFT-G®)
- Functional Family Probation and Parole (FFP®)
Navigate Trends in Child Welfare Therapy with Confidence
Staying informed about national trends and legislative changes is essential for professionals dedicated to making a meaningful impact in family therapy, child welfare therapy, and juvenile justice. Remaining proactive in adapting to these shifts ensures practitioners can provide the highest standard of care to those who need it most.
FFT LLC is a trusted partner, offering the resources and support necessary to navigate change confidently. Learn how to bring Functional Family therapy to your organization today.
FFT LLC brings Functional Family Therapy to over 40,000 families a year across the globe that are at risk of involvement in the justice and child welfare systems and/or gangs. FFT LLC provides clinical oversight and ongoing research to maintain positive outcomes and ensure all FFT providers adhere to evidence-based practice standards.
Contact us for more information about our evidence-based youth and family counseling services.