Preserving the Generations: A Look at Wraparound Programs in the United States

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PRESERVING THE GENERATIONS 1

Preserving the Generations:

A Look at Wraparound

Programs in the United States

PRESERVING THE GENERATIONS 2

Preserving the Generations:

A Look at Wraparound Programs in the United States

Defining Family Prevention Programs

A family preservation program as defined in a publication by Westat, Inc. (1995) is, “A social service program that is in effect in most states, which is designed to keep families together by providing support and intervention services to children and families in their home, where the family unit can be observed, evaluated, and treated together. It is based on the premise that birth families are the preferred means of providing family life for children, whenever that is possible.” In a nut shell, these programs are there to act as preventative measures to families about to lose their children. The Child Welfare League of America (2010) discusses the philosophy of these programs resting on the idea that children need to be with their families. When children are removed from homes, it is distressing not only for the child, but also for the family, no matter how unstable they may be. CWLA believes that most families are capable of taking care of their children, they just need adequate assistance. It is believed that if you focus on the strengths of the family, they can be molded into qualified caregivers. These programs do not just focus on the needs of the children, they make sure to also evaluate the issues with the rest of the

PRESERVING THE GENERATIONS 3

immediate family. Throughout the United States, these programs have shared intentions, some being more effective at reaching those goals than ...

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...of Intensive Family

Preservation Services on Disproportionality of Out-of-Home Placement of Children of Color in One State’s Child Welfare System. Child Welfare.

Nelson, K. E.; Landsman, M. J.; and Deutelbaum, W. (Jan.-Feb. 1990) "Three Models of Family-Centered Placement Prevention Services." Child Welfare vol. 69, 3-21

Westat, Inc. A REVIEW OF FAMILY PRESERVATION AND FAMILY REUNIFICATION PROGRAMS. Chicago: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, 1995. Print.

U.S. Social Security Administration. (2010). Social Security Act Title IV. Social Security Online. Retrieved July 10, 2010, from http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title04/0400.htm

Youth Service, Inc. | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Programs & Services. (2007). Youth Service, Inc.. Retrieved July 11, 2010, from http://ysiphila.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=6 &Itemid=37

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