What are child welfare preventive services?
Child welfare preventive services strengthen families by helping parents and caregivers provide an environment in which children can thrive. Like preventive health care, these services address early signs of family problems that, if left untreated, may result in a breakdown of the family unit.
According to New York State Social Services Law (SSL §409), preventive services are supportive and rehabilitative services provided to children and their families for the purpose of:
- Averting an impairment or disruption of a family that would or could result in the placement of a child outside the home; and
- Enabling a child who has been placed outside the home to return to their family earlier than would otherwise be possible.
These services support children and families by:
- Protecting children from abuse, neglect, and unsafe situations;
- Providing foster care and adoption services for children who cannot safely remain at home;
- Supporting families through case management, counseling, and parenting resources; and
- Connecting children and families to community programs and resources that promote stability and growth.
The goal of child welfare preventive services is to strengthen families, keep children safe, and help every child reach their full potential.
For more information
- Contact the Wyoming County Department of Social Services or click here to visit the New York State Child Welfare and Community Services website.