Kentucky and Binti Spotlight Early Achievements in Family Finding Initiative for Foster Children
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Binti and the Commonwealth of Kentucky have unveiled impressive outcomes following the implementation of Binti's Family Finding and Engagement (FFE) tool. This initiative, which launched statewide in June, aims to transform the child welfare landscape by enhancing the connections foster children have with family and supportive adults. The early results are nothing short of encouraging, highlighting both the efficiency and effectiveness of this initiative.
The FFE tool has empowered Kentucky's child welfare workers to forge more meaningful connections for children in foster care than ever before. Since the rollout, a staggering total of 159,650 connections have been made between children and their extended family members and other supportive adults. This impressive figure reflects a remarkable commitment to engaging with kin and improving the support systems available to youth in need.
In the short span since its introduction, Kentucky's frontline workers have initiated 3,778 Family Finding searches, which breaks down to over 17 searches each day. On average, these searches have revealed about 42 connections per child, which remarkably indicates a shift in the strategy around care placements. Notably, 93% of children with ongoing searches have confirmed kin connections, while 95% have either such connections or are in the process of being identified. This expansion of familial relationships introduces new opportunities for placements, including critical support services such as visitation, respite care, cultural connections, and even transportation assistance, ensuring that children can maintain ties with their heritage and families.
A key milestone occurred just four months into the program, when reports indicated that more children in Kentucky were being placed with relatives than in traditional community foster homes. This notable shift underscores the effectiveness of the FFE tool and highlights Kentucky's commitment to enhancing the stability and security of children in foster care.
Governor Andy Beshear commented on the initiative, stating, “Every child in Kentucky deserves to be surrounded by people who love them and support them. Binti's Family Finding Engagement tool is helping Team Kentucky do exactly that by quickly and effectively identifying relatives and caring adults who can step in, offer stability, and become part of a child's life. We are proud of the progress made since June, and we look forward to building on these results as we work to ensure more children can grow up with family.”
Binti, established to improve America’s child welfare system through technology, has been transforming how agencies operate. With their software currently deployed in over 550 child welfare agencies across 37 states, Binti has already supported more than 100,000 families and assisted over 12,000 social workers. Since its founding in 2017, the company has attracted over $60 million in funding from various high-profile investors, reflecting strong confidence in its mission and the enduring need for innovation in child welfare.
As Kentucky continues to build on this remarkable momentum, it stands as a testament to the power of technology in bridging the gap between children and their families, emphasizing the essential role of community in caring for the most vulnerable.
For more information on Binti's initiatives and ongoing projects, visit their official website at www.binti.com.