In 1972 the Annie E. Casey and Edna McConnell Clark foundations began promoting Intensive Family Preservation Services. The concept was that short-term supports would divert families from child protection. According to Harvard Law School’s Elizabeth Bartholet, it didn’t work.
Similar foundation-driven programs followed, including the 1990’s Racial Disparities Initiative, Differential Response (aka Family Assessment in Minnesota) in the early 2000’s, and currently the federal Families First Act.
The first three ideas relied on parents working with child protection voluntarily. Unsurprisingly, most parents opted out. The fourth eliminates group homes and residential treatment centers, services which some children really need.
These theories have been harming children for 50 years. We need to return policy making to government managers who can be held accountable for results rather than to foundations far removed from daily operations.
For a more detailed history of these initiatives listen to this week’s podcast, here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts, or read the transcript here.
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