Preserving Families: Does it Work? A Policy Analysis
Abstract
Beginning with a look at the historical background of child welfare services in the United States, this policy analysis examines issues surrounding the use of out-of home placement of children as an intervention strategy with families in crisis. In response to the increasing demand for the limited dollars available to provide social services, the high cost of out-of-home placement and concern for the large number of children who experienced lengthy or multiple foster care placements policy makers and service providers are now focusing upon efforts to preserve families and prevent unnecessary out-of-home placement of children. Family preservation services are examined within the context of the range of services available to families and children. Discussion focuses on issues surrounding effectiveness of family preservation services, research and evaluation efforts to date, and concludes with a summary and recommendations for future evaluation efforts.