In our implementation of the Family Preservation and Family Support Program, foveloping both physically and emotionally, every day and every month count. For that reason, when a child must be removed from his own home because of abuse or neglect, it is critical that at every point decisions about the child's future be made promptly and in a way that helps the child move towards a safe, nurturing, permanent home. The courts, working in conjunction with State child welfare agencies, play a critical role in decision-making for abused and neglected children. The goal of this work is to establish an agenda for improving the quality and timeliness of decisions regarding the placement of children, termination of parental rights and other decisions that greatly affect children's safety ands under the program, States are better able to make reasonable efforts to prevent the unnecessary removal of children and to enable children to safely return home from placement when possible. However, it is important to note that the Federal law regarding reasonable efforts does not require States to provide family preservation or family reunification services for all children.
Every child needs a permanent, loving home.
For children who are constantly developing both physically and emotionally, every day and every month count. For that reason, when a child must be removed from his own home because of abuse or neglect, it is critical that at every point decisions about the child's future be made promptly and in a way that helps the child move towards a safe, nurturing, permanent home. The courts, working in conjunction with State child welfare agencies, play a critical role in decision-making for abused and neglected children. The goal of this work is to establish an agenda for improving the quality and timeliness of decisions regarding the placement of children, termination of parental rights and other decisions that greatly affect children's safety and permanency. Most States have completed their assessments and are now moving forward to implement needed changes.