ABSTRACT
Selected findings from a three-year study are reported regarding a prospective sample of 189 families served by the Center for Family Life's preventive services program and the nature and results of the services the families received. The program combines elements of both family preservation and family support services to provide a comprehensive, individualized response to families in need and prevent the unnecessary placement of children in care. Four program elements correspond with those typically identified as characterizing family preservation programs, and three key program elements differentiate the Center's approach from other family preservation programs. These latter characteristics are more typically found in family support programs and address limitations of current family preservation programs as identified in the literature.
Subject(s)
Child Welfare , Family Health , Preventive Health Services/organization & administration , Social Support , Social Work/organization & administration , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Health Services Accessibility , Humans , Interinstitutional Relations , Male , Models, Organizational , New York City , Organizational Case Studies , Professional-Family Relations , Program EvaluationABSTRACT
Recent changes in public policy reflect increased efforts to scapegoat poor women and children and to polarize the objectives of child protection and family preservation. This article challenges various stakeholders in the child welfare field to move beyond the quick-fix solutions and bureaucratic overregulation precipitated by horror stories of child abuse in the media. The new century presents an opportunity to pursue differential intervention strategies that protect children while empowering poor families and communities.
