June 26, 2023
Q&A with Family First Act Program Director Shelby Zimmer: Defining Candidacy
Developing a definition of a “candidate for foster care” is a key part of implementing Family First. Family First Program Director Shelby Zimmer answers some key questions about how the Division is developing that definition.
What are some of the considerations that go into drafting a definition of a “candidate for foster care”?
Shelby: When developing a definition of candidate for foster care, we are identifying the population we will be able to serve using IV-E funded programs. There are two key parts of the federal definition of candidacy: First, the child has to be at “imminent risk of entering foster care,” so we need to establish some criteria for what constitutes this risk of entering foster care. Second, there is a relationship between providing services and preventing entry, so we want to look at concerns a family may have, like substance use, that could be addressed if the family receives services.
What's the timeline for drafting the “candidacy” definition?
Shelby: Our goal is to have a definition of candidate by the end of January 2020. We are evaluating our internal assessment processes and have engaged Casey Family Programs in that work. We also are convening a group consisting of a cross-section of stakeholders for several meetings in December 2019 and January 2020 to get input on the definition.
How can people stay informed on the candidacy definition process and other parts of Family First implementation?
Shelby: We know these issues are important to our stakeholders and our aim is to share what we know, as we learn it. One of the best ways to stay informed is to sign up for the Blueprint Family First newsletter, where we'll share updates on this process and on upcoming events. If you have specific questions, you can always email [email protected].