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Topic: Family Stabilization

Scientific Ratings in this topic:

1 - Well-Supported by Research Evidence

2 - Supported by Research Evidence

3 - Promising Research Evidence

4 - Evidence Fails to Demonstrate Effect

5 - Concerning Practice

NR - Not able to be Rated

Learn more about the scale

Definition for Family Stabilization:

Family Stabilization programs are defined by the CEBC as services designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children and youth in their homes; prevent their initial placement or re-entry into foster care; and preserve, support, and stabilize their families. Family Stabilization programs are aimed at families who have come to the attention of child welfare services and are in crisis and/or facing imminent risk of removal. Terms commonly used to describe Family stabilization programs may include family preservation, family support, family engagement, home visiting, and place-based services (these are usually housed in a community or neighborhood center, but have an in-home component providing parenting classes, after school programs, and other family services aimed at supporting, stabilizing, and maintaining intact families). Family stabilization programs may include the services that are delivered to families through the differential response process.

Why was Family Stabilization chosen as a topic by the Advisory Committee? (Click for Answer)

The Advisory Committee chose Family Stabilization as a topic area to highlight because a primary goal of child welfare is to strengthen families and prevent unnecessary placement of children and youth. Too often, children are removed from their families because there are insufficient services to support and strengthen the family and ensure safety. Agencies need to know about alternatives to removal and placement and which types of services/programs are most effective in stabilizing the family, building family strengths, and maintaining safety.

Pamela Day, Associate Director
Child Information Welfare Gateway
Children's Bureau/ACYF
Washington, DC

Programs in this topic area

Here are your search results for programs in the area of Family Stabilization:

The programs listed below have been reviewed by the CEBC and, if appropriate, been rated using the Scientific Rating Scale.

Programs with a Scientific Rating of 2 - Supported by Research Evidence:

Homebuilders® – detailed view
Topics: Interventions for Neglect, Post-Permanency Services, Reunification, Family Stabilization
Families with children (birth to 18) at imminent risk of placement into, or needing intensive services to return from, foster care, ...

Programs with a Scientific Rating of 3 - Promising Research Evidence:

Family Group Decision Making (FGDM) – detailed view
Topics: Child Welfare Initiatives, Family Stabilization
Children who are abused/neglected and their family groups.

Programs with a Scientific Rating of NR - Not able to be Rated:

Accelerated Reunification Model – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
Families involved in the first time removal of a child within 24 - 48 hours of removal.
Families First of Michigan – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
Children who are at high risk of removal from their families due to abuse or neglect.
Foster Care Redesign – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
Children of all ages, especially minority populations and those with diverse ethnicities, who are at risk of entering the child ...
Minority Youth and Family Initiative for African-Americans (MYFI) – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
African American children and families involved with the child welfare system
Minority Youth and Family Initiative for American Indian/Alaskan Native Children (MYFI) – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
American Indian and Alaskan Native children and families
Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) – detailed view
Topics: Family Stabilization
Families at risk of child maltreatment as identified by screened out child maltreatment reports, community referrals, or self-referral. Families that ...

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