The MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) program provides formula grants each year to states, territories and approximately 135-145 tribes. The purpose of this program is to prevent child maltreatment and the unnecessary separation of children from their families, improve the quality of care and services to children and their families, and ensure permanency for children by reuniting them with their parents, or by promoting adoption or another permanent living arrangement. Funding may be used to develop, establish, or expand, and to operate coordinated programs of community-based family support services, family preservation services, family reunification services, and adoption promotion and support services.
The statute also reserves funding for other grants and activities, including Regional Partnership Grants (RPGs); state grants for caseworker visits; Court Improvement Program grants; evaluation, research, and technical assistance. In fiscal years (FYs) 2018 — 2024 the appropriations for PSSF also included funding to help title IV-E agencies develop, expand or evaluate kinship navigator programs.
Budget Information
The PSSF program receives both mandatory and discretionary appropriations.
FY 2024 Funding:
- $345 million (mandatory)
- $72.5 million (discretionary)