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Family Preservation Services

Family preservation services are short-term, family-based services designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children safe. These services developed largely in response to the over-reliance on out-of-home care that characterized services in the 1970's. Family preservation services grew out of the recognition that children need a safe and stable family and that separating children from their families is traumatic for them, often leaving lasting negative effects. These services build upon the conviction that many children can be safely protected and treated within their own homes when parents are provided with services and support and empowered to change their lives.

This section includes resources that describe the underlying values and principles of family preservation services, core elements, policy implications, program models, and State and local examples. Includes information about intensive family preservation services, a more intensive version of this approach, and evaluations of the effectiveness of family preservation services.

• Introduction to family preservation services
• Policy implications
• Intensive family preservation services
• Program approaches
• State and local examples
• Effectiveness of family preservation services

	Related Information Gateway Topics Family-centered practice: Practice approaches Family-centered practice: Casework practice Systemwide: Cultural competence Achieving & maintaining permanency: Family reunification

Updated on September 18, 2008