Each year in Connecticut, over 18,000 children come into contact with the child welfare system due to confirmed or suspected abuse or neglect.1 Children in the child welfare system are more likely than other children to have mental health conditions2 and to have experienced potentially traumatic events (e.g., physical or sexual abuse, family violence)3 or other adversities.4 The COVID-19 pandemic has stressed many families in the form of disruptions to routines of daily life, increased isolation, financial hardship, and illness or death of loved ones.5 Emerging evidence suggests that COVID poses particular risks for children living in unsafe home environments who now have fewer supports and limited exposure to mandated reporters.6 Now more than ever, there is a clear and pressing need for effective behavioral health treatments for youth in the child welfare system. Fortunately, Connecticut is working to address this need by expanding services through the Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA). Connecticut has long been a leader in increasing access to evidence-based treatments (EBTs) and improving outcomes for children. Connecticut’s Family First Prevention Services plan provides an opportunity to build an array of effective behavioral health treatments and other services for those children most at-risk for foster home placement with the goal of keeping families together. Connecticut’s documented success with EBTs will be instrumental in the implementation and delivery of these new services.
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