U.S. Rep. Mike Carey representing Ohio's 15th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Mike Carey representing Ohio's 15th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Representatives Mike Carey (OH-15) and John Larson (CT-01) have introduced the Promoting Community-Based Prevention Services Act, a bill designed to provide states with greater flexibility in allocating funds to Family Resource Centers (FRCs).
"When parents feel supported, families thrive," said Carey. "Family Resource Centers can guide families through a lifetime of challenges and milestones. We are proud to help guarantee these resources can be available in every community across the country, for every family who might need them."
Larson shared his experience working with Dr. Edward Zigler, the father of Head Start, during his tenure in the Connecticut State Senate. "I am proud to introduce the Promoting Community-Based Prevention Services Act with Rep. Carey today to create a pathway for FRCs, which serve 13,000 individuals in Connecticut annually, to directly receive federal funding to support the services they provide for families and communities," he stated.
FRCs offer various community-driven services at no cost to families. These include mental health and substance abuse programs, parenting classes, screening for developmental delays, and early childhood education.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of FRCs nationwide. In Alachua County, Florida, there was a 45 percent reduction in cases of child abuse and neglect attributed to FRCs. In Massachusetts, there was a 20 percent increase in parents' ability to keep their children safe from abuse. Additionally, Alabama reported that every dollar spent on FRCs brought a $4.70 return on investment.
Currently funded under Title IV-B Part 2 of the Social Security Act or the Promoting Safe and Stable Families block grant, FRCs receive support based on four major service priorities: family preservation, family support, reunification, and adoption support. Each priority receives 20 percent of the block grant's total funding.
The new bill proposes allowing FRCs to be funded using portions of the remaining 20 percent of the block grant. This change would increase available funds for FRCs while providing states more flexibility in offering those funds.
The full text of the Promoting Community-Based Prevention Services Act is available here.
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