Implementation of Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) by Indian Tribes: Volumes I

Publication Date: February 15, 2004
Current as of:

Introduction

In 1993, title IV-B, subpart 2 was created within the Social Security Act to provide funding specifically dedicated to child welfare preventive services. Originally named the Family Preservation and Family Support (FP/FS) Services program, the program’s scope was expanded in 1997 and was reauthorized as the Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program. In addition to the original two service categories established by the 1993 legislation, (family preservation and family support), the 1997 reauthorization also targeted funding on two new categories (time-limited family reunification and adoption promotion and support services).

At the federal level, PSSF funds are administered by the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). At the state and tribal levels, funding is administered by the state child welfare agency or the tribe responsible for administering child welfare services funded under title IV-B, subpart 1 (the Child Welfare Services Program). For FY03, Congress appropriated a total of $404 million to the program. Of this amount, a total of $5 million was set-aside for eligible tribes. Tribes eligible for PSSF include those with an annual PSSF allocation of $10,000 or more.