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Bibliography expanded and updated to reflect recent research. New paragraphs on the quality and cost of family preservation programs, on differential response child protection systems, and on the funding impact of the recent economic recession.

Updated on 3 September 2013. The previous version of this content can be found here.
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date: 14 December 2019

Abstract and Keywords

The history and development of family preservation as a home-based service in social work practice is traced, current research is reviewed, and future practice trends and challenges are outlined in this entry. Family preservation services are described in terms of a philosophy of practice as well as a specified service model.

Keywords: child welfare, family preservation, home-based services

Elizabeth M. Tracy

Elizabeth M. Tracy, PhD, is the Grace Longwell Coyle Professor of Social Work at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University.

Trista D. Piccola

Performance Management Administrator, Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, Arlington County Human Services, Arlington, VA

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