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Does Family Preservation Serve Child Best Interests? Controversies in Public Policy

Glenn Hayes

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Published in Does Family Preservation Serve A Child S Best Interests? (Controversies In Public Policy Series)

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Family preservation is a social service intervention aimed at preventing the removal of children from their homes and placing them in foster care. It is based on the belief that it is in the best interests of children to remain with their families, even if those families are struggling. However, there is controversy over whether family preservation actually serves the best interests of children. Some critics argue that it can keep children in dangerous or neglectful homes, while others argue that it can lead to the reunification of families that are not prepared to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.

Does Family Preservation Serve a Child's Best Interests? (Controversies in Public Policy series)

by Howard Altstein

4.8 out of 5

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What is Family Preservation?

Family preservation is a range of services that are designed to help families stay together and avoid the need for foster care. These services can include:

* Counseling * Parenting education * Home visits * Financial assistance * Case management

Family preservation services are typically provided by social workers or other professionals who have experience working with families. The goal of these services is to help families identify and address the problems that are putting their children at risk of being removed from their homes.

Arguments in Favor of Family Preservation

There are a number of arguments in favor of family preservation. First, it is believed that it is in the best interests of children to remain with their families. Children who are raised in their own homes are more likely to be healthy, happy, and successful than children who are raised in foster care.

Second, family preservation can be more cost-effective than foster care. It is less expensive to provide family preservation services than it is to place a child in foster care.

Third, family preservation can help to keep families together. When children are removed from their homes, it can be very difficult for them to maintain relationships with their parents and siblings. Family preservation services can help to keep families connected and can help to prevent the disruption of family relationships.

Arguments Against Family Preservation

There are also a number of arguments against family preservation. First, it is argued that family preservation can keep children in dangerous or neglectful homes. If a family is not prepared to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children, then it may not be in the best interests of the children to remain in that home.

Second, family preservation can be ineffective. Not all families are able to benefit from family preservation services. Some families may be so dysfunctional that it is impossible to help them keep their children safe.

Third, family preservation can be a drain on resources. Family preservation services can be expensive, and they can divert resources away from other programs that may be more effective in preventing child abuse and neglect.

The debate over family preservation is a complex one. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to provide family preservation services should be made on a case-by-case basis.

Does Family Preservation Serve a Child's Best Interests? (Controversies in Public Policy series)

by Howard Altstein

4.8 out of 5