HOMEBUILDERS Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS)
Institute for Family Development - Main Office and Training Division, 34004 16th Ave South, Suite 200, Federal Way, WA 98003-8903
About
HOMEBUILDERS Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) provides intensive, in-home crisis intervention, counseling, and life-skills education for families. The program includes specific skill-building activities such as parenting skills, active listening, and the use of “I” messages. Therapists also work with families and youth on practical goals like finding the right school setting, attending classes regularly, adhering to curfews, complying with the court, participating in constructive activities with peers, and learning to manage anger and conflict without getting into trouble.
• Ages: 0–17 years old
• Schedule: Families receive about 40 hours of therapy over 4–6 weeks.
The program serves families with children from birth to 17 years old who have at least one child at imminent risk of out-of-home placement, and families are referred by caseworkers in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or mental health system. Therapists meet with families at times that are convenient for them and at times when problems are likely to occur, and they are available to families on a 24/7 basis for crisis intervention and support. Small caseloads, program intensity, and 24-hour a day service availability are used to ensure child safety. The program involves the family in the child’s treatment to avoid the trauma and stigma of psychiatric hospitalization or residential treatment and helps youths remain in the community while correcting problems that contribute to delinquency.
HOMEBUILDERS Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) is part of the Institute for Family Development (IFD), which was formed in 1982 with a commitment to promote and expand family preservation services as a viable alternative to out-of-home placement. The HOMEBUILDERS model is described as the oldest and best-documented Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) program in the United States, and it is an evidence-based model that has been replicated across the country and internationally. IFD serves about 3,000 children and their families a year throughout Washington State. The Institute for Family Development is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Established in 1974 in Washington State, the program’s stated mission is to keep children safe and families together.
The HOMEBUILDERS model has been implemented across the United States and internationally, and IFD provides training and consultation services to public and private agencies across the United States and internationally. One parent stated, “Without HOMEBUILDERS, we would not be together.” Another shared that the therapist had a hands-on approach, helped the family break the cycle of violence, and said, “The help we have gotten literally saved our family. My son is now home with me and we have a wonderful relationship.”
Last updated June 13, 2026.
• Ages: 0–17 years old
• Schedule: Families receive about 40 hours of therapy over 4–6 weeks.
The program serves families with children from birth to 17 years old who have at least one child at imminent risk of out-of-home placement, and families are referred by caseworkers in the child welfare, juvenile justice, or mental health system. Therapists meet with families at times that are convenient for them and at times when problems are likely to occur, and they are available to families on a 24/7 basis for crisis intervention and support. Small caseloads, program intensity, and 24-hour a day service availability are used to ensure child safety. The program involves the family in the child’s treatment to avoid the trauma and stigma of psychiatric hospitalization or residential treatment and helps youths remain in the community while correcting problems that contribute to delinquency.
HOMEBUILDERS Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) is part of the Institute for Family Development (IFD), which was formed in 1982 with a commitment to promote and expand family preservation services as a viable alternative to out-of-home placement. The HOMEBUILDERS model is described as the oldest and best-documented Intensive Family Preservation Services (IFPS) program in the United States, and it is an evidence-based model that has been replicated across the country and internationally. IFD serves about 3,000 children and their families a year throughout Washington State. The Institute for Family Development is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Established in 1974 in Washington State, the program’s stated mission is to keep children safe and families together.
The HOMEBUILDERS model has been implemented across the United States and internationally, and IFD provides training and consultation services to public and private agencies across the United States and internationally. One parent stated, “Without HOMEBUILDERS, we would not be together.” Another shared that the therapist had a hands-on approach, helped the family break the cycle of violence, and said, “The help we have gotten literally saved our family. My son is now home with me and we have a wonderful relationship.”
Last updated June 13, 2026.
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