State Policy and Reform Center’s (SPARC) comments in response to the request for public comments from the Department of Health and Human Services on developing a Clearinghouse of evidence-based practices in accordance with the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA).
SPARC is comprised of child welfare advocates in 39 states and the District of Columbia, who advocate for policies and practices on the state and federal level that improve the lives of children and families involved in child protective services and foster care. As state advocates, we offer a unique state and local perspective on the implementation of FFPSA.
As the Department continues to prepare the Clearinghouse, conduct an analysis of programs and services and issue guidance on the quality implementation of FFPSA, we stand ready to assist and offer our input from the perspective of states and state advocates who have been involved in state child welfare policies and practices for years and are excited to see greater access to effective prevention services for children and families.