Preventive services are designed to strengthen the family’s ability to function more effectively and independently in order to prevent family breakup. If a breakup is necessary our goal is to reunite the family as soon as possible.
The foundation is the belief that the family is, and should continue to be, the central structure around which a caring and self-sufficient society must be built. The family is the best environment for raising children and caring for vulnerable members. Therefore, the family must be able to provide the necessary nurture, protection, shelter, and education for its members.
Preventive services are supportive and rehabilitative services provided to children and their families for averting out-of-home placement of the child. These services enable a child placed in foster care to return home or reduce the likelihood that a child who has been discharged from foster care will return to foster care.
Non-parent caregivers, who are caring for children living in their home without their parent, may be eligible for financial assistance or other supports. Additional information is provided here: Know Your Resources: Nonparent Caregiver Benefits
For more information visit: Home | Preventive Services | OCFS (ny.gov)