Prevention services help make sure youth stay with their families when it is safe to do so.

With adequate support, youth who enter foster care can often remain with their original families. FosterClub firmly believes the best way to support children is to give their families the tools they need to stay together safely. 

Why It Matters

Prevention services help keep youth safely at home. This includes mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and in-home parenting programs. FosterClub highlights that true family success also requires ongoing support, such as financial assistance, culturally inclusive programs, and continued help even after child welfare investigations end. By providing these extended services, families have the resources they need to stay strong and prevent unnecessary foster care placements.

 

Quick Facts

  • Prevention helps stop abuse and neglect before it starts, reducing harm like depression and substance abuse.
  • Every dollar spent on prevention saves up to $9 in long-term costs (Annie E. Casey, Prevent Child Abuse America)
  • Strengthening families through prevention minimizes traumatic removals, leading to better long-term outcomes for youth.

”As a new mother who was in foster care there was a fear that I would be at risk of having my baby enter foster care.

— Tamisha, a young person from foster care​​​​​​​

Tools You Can Use

  • Title IV-E Prevention Services Clearinghouse : Explore evidence-based programs approved under the Family First Act to help families access proven interventions.
  • Find Local Help: Use FosterClub’s Help Hub to find programs in your community that help families in need.
  • Crisis Support: If a family is in trouble, the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD) offers immediate, confidential help.
  • Learn and Level Up: Explore the Child Welfare Information Gateway to see research on how the system can better support families.

How We're Working on This Issue

Family First Prevention Services Act

FosterClub supported Lived Experience Leaders to advocate for this law that focussed on prevention. These LEx Leaders penned op-eds, endorsed the act through a "Sign-On Letter," and directly urged Congress on Capitol Hill to pass the legislation promptly. Read about it here.

National Policy Council Recommendations

The Council developed the recommendation set,"Preventing Unnecessary Removal of Children from their Families," outlining priorities developed by young people to educate chidl welfare leaders about how to support keeping families together. 

Family Voices United

Through this partnership, we work to improve child welfare by putting the voices of young people, families, and kinship providers at the center, including on preventing unnecessary entry into foster care. 

Learn more about Family Voices United here.

”If many families who live in poverty were helped more, they wouldn't be labeled neglectful and have their children taken from them. Many caretakers are wonderful parents but just don't have the right tools, resources and supports in the community."

— Former foster youth from Minnesota

 

Want to Learn More?

Watch our webinar: Youth & Alumni Priorities on Preventing Unnecessary Removal of Children from their Families.

Learn how the Family First Act supports prevention services.

Read real stories: "Prevention Services That Could Have Made a Difference."

Blogs on Preventing Unnecessary Entry into Foster Care