Most children involved with child welfare aren't separated from their families. Instead, these families are strengthened and stabilized through "in-home services" offered by child welfare agencies or community partnerships. These family-centered services can be voluntary or court ordered and are tailored specifically for the family. Services can focus on the following:
- Ensuring child safety
- Building caregiver skills
- Nurturing relationships
- Fostering well-being
Explore our In-Home Services webpage to learn more about what in-home services are and how agencies can develop and improve them. State and local examples are also provided for a real-world look at how family-centered and culturally competent in-home services have been implemented. In-home services can be a valuable strategy to help stabilize families and keep children safe while keeping them in their own home.
For more examples of evidence-based programs and promising practices from across the country, read In-Home Services to Strengthen Children and Families.
