Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a bulletin with guidance and requirements for providers that wish to become a specialized child residential setting under the Family First Prevention Services Act, a federal law that prioritizes keeping children with their families. It allows states to use federal payments for services to allow children who would otherwise be placed in foster care to stay with their parents or relatives. The implementation of this law is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2020, and aligns with the Wolf administration’s goals of serving children safely with their families. In the event placement outside the home becomes necessary, the law directs federal funding toward family-like settings or other specialized settings suited to a child’s individual needs. Specialized settings are child residential facilities or supervised independent living programs specializing in providing care and treatment for children and youth with special circumstances, including: pregnant, expecting, and parenting youth; youth who are transitioning to adulthood; or youth who are, or at risk of becoming, sex trafficking victims. DHS Secretary Teresa Miller said, “We want to be sure that every service we provide offers the necessary supports to meet children and families’ needs and help them on a path to safe, healthy lives. This certification process will help DHS ensure that specialized settings for children will be available, safe, and suitable.” Applications to be considered a specialized setting must be submitted by March 15. Visit dhs.pa.gov or email ra-PWFamilyFirst@pa.gov for more information.