What’s Happening with IFPS?

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As 2014 draws to a close we’d like to share with you a few new developments in the field of IFPS.

  • Four IFPS programs participated in a research study released earlier this year. A key component of the projects was the development of exit instruments for both the worker and parents that were aligned with an assessment tool. Outcome of the study showed very close alignment between the worker and parent perspective when families completed services.

This is the first known research study of exit instruments completed by both the worker and the parents in IFPS programs.

To read the full research report visit: http://www.nfpn.org/reunification/reunification-research

For more information on the exit instruments visit: http://www.nfpn.org/products/exit-instruments

  • 2) Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Instrument for IFPS. Two IFPS agencies participated in field-testing a CQI instrument for IFPS this year. The instrument is designed for use with review of case files to assess both strengths and weaknesses of IFPS programs. It covers 10 areas of best practice with over 75 items included. The National Family Preservation Network (NFPN) will release the CQI instrument and accompanying training materials in January.
  • Federal and state agencies now require that trauma and well-being be addressed in child and family services. Several IFPS programs have field-tested a tool to assess trauma and post-trauma well-being. The findings from the field test are very positive with a research report in progress. NFPN will release the new trauma domains in February.
  • The IFPS Nationwide Survey conducted this year revealed that very few IFPS agencies are offering field placements for IFPS (see a recent IFPS Blog post on field placements http://www.intensivefamilypreservation.org/field-placement-experiences-in-ifps/). NFPN is planning to develop an IFPS Field Placement Guide and is seeking input on best practice for field placements. If your agency offers field placements in IFPS or in other areas, please contact NFPN.

Posted by Priscilla Martens, Executive Director
National Family Preservation Network