ACF Announces Expectant Parents Can Now Receive Title IV-E Prevention Services to Address Safety and Well-Being of Their Unborn Child at States' Discretion

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) has expanded eligibility for federally funded, evidence-based prevention services to include expectant parents, allowing states to seek federal reimbursement for approved services provided during pregnancy. Under updated Child Welfare Policy Manual guidance, states may identify unborn children as candidates for foster care, opening the door to services such as mental health treatment, substance use support, and parenting education for expectant mothers and fathers. The change also supports ACF’s A Home for Every Child initiative by emphasizing early intervention to address safety and well-being concerns and help prevent future foster care placements.

This policy creates opportunities to strengthen coordination with child welfare agencies and connect expectant parents to supportive services earlier. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs can explore partnerships, referral pathways, and complementary services that address parents’ needs during pregnancy, promote healthy child development, and support family stability. Because states have flexibility in defining candidacy and selecting prevention services, TANF administrators can engage with state agencies as they consider updating their Title IV-E plans to include expectant parents.