Youth Villages stories

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Dec.  18, 2020) – The Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse announced that the Youth Villages Intercept program model is rated as “supported” after two studies from the Center for State Childhood Data at Chapin Hall showed the program had positive impacts on the use of foster care.

The Clearinghouse was established by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct an objective and transparent review of research on programs and services intended to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements. It determines what services can be funded under the Family First Prevention Services Act.

“This is a milestone for Intercept and Youth Villages. More than 30 years ago, we made providing intensive help for families the center of what we do. We’re pleased that Intercept has been recognized as one of the first 10 In-Home/Parent-Skill programs in the country to receive a favorable rating,” said Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler. “The Clearinghouse is helping states identify evidence-based interventions that really work to strengthen and restore struggling families. It is a transformational moment for child welfare in this country.”

Two separate evaluations of Intercept were conducted by the Center for State Child Welfare Data at Chapin Hall using data made available by the state of Tennessee Department of Children’s Services.

In the first, researchers found that Intercept reduces the chances of out-of-home placement by 53% following an abuse or neglect investigation. The effect of Intercept is sustained at six and 12 months after services end. In the second, the data showed the odds of achieving permanency were approximately 24% higher for Intercept than a comparison group.

Intercept provides intensive in-home services and works in all the systems that surround the child: the family, school, neighborhood and peer group. The Intercept program was launched in Memphis in 1995 and became an integral part of child welfare reform in the state of Tennessee. Youth Villages expanded the model to other states, and it is now being implemented in 13 states and has served almost 70,000 children and families.

About Youth Villages
Youth Villages is a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health committed to building strong families, delivering effective services, and significantly improving outcomes for children, families and young people involved in child welfare and juvenile justice systems across the country. Founded in 1986, the organization’s 3,300 employees help more than 30,000 children annually in 24 states across the U.S. Youth Villages has been recognized by the Harvard Business School and U.S. News & World Report and was identified by The White House as one of the nation’s most promising results-oriented nonprofit organizations. Learn more at https://youthvillages.org/.