The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) issues the Family First Transition Act Funding Certainty Grant to public children services agencies (PCSAs) that were part of the "ProtectOhio" waiver program as of September 30, 2019, to support the use of evidence-based practices that promote the well-being of children, youth and families and to prevent unnecessary foster care placements.

The Family First Transition Act was enacted as part of Public Law (P.L.) 116-94 on December 20, 2019 to support implementation of Family First Prevention Services Act (FFPSA) and to further its goals. The act authorized funding certainty grants for title IV-E agencies that operated Title IV-E child welfare waiver demonstration projects through the end of the waiver authority. Funding Certainty grants are intended to replace any shortfall in the title IV-E foster care program federal financial participation (FFP) for federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2020 and 2021, as compared to funding available through the former demonstration project known as "ProtectOhio."

This allocation consists of federal funds. ODJFS communicates the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for this allocation through the county finance information system (CFIS). There is no match requirement or non-federal cost share for this funding.

The Family First Transition Act Funding Certainty Grant may be used for: 

• IV-B allowable activities;
• Planning and implementation of the FFPSA; and
• Activities previously funded under "ProtectOhio."

ODJFS will initially issue funds for federal fiscal years FFY21 and FFY22. However, funding will be available through September 2026.

For questions regarding eligibility, allowable activities and reporting requirements, please direct them to the Office of Families and Children at HELP-DESK-OCF@jfs.ohio.gov. For fiscal questions please contact your ODJFS Fiscal Supervisor or the BCFTA Helpdesk at CFIS_Help_Desk@jfs.ohio.gov.