What does family preservation services include?

Family preservation services focus on maintaining family unity and ensuring that children can remain within their families whenever possible. These services encompass a range of support mechanisms that aim to strengthen family functioning and prevent the need for more intrusive interventions, such as placement in foster care or institutional settings.

Counseling and advocacy form a critical part of these services, as they provide families with the necessary tools and resources to address their challenges. This support may involve working with families to improve communication, manage conflicts, or address specific issues that may put their stability at risk. By providing counseling and advocacy, family preservation services help families develop skills to cope with difficulties and promote healthy family dynamics, ultimately contributing to the child's welfare and safeguarding their future within their familial context.

In contrast, services like residential treatment, institutional care, and foster care placements do not align with the primary goal of family preservation, which is to maintain family integrity and avoid separation whenever possible. These options are often considered only when families cannot be supported effectively in their current environments.