Prevention and the Child Protection System

August 14, 2009 The nation's child protection system (CPS) historically focused on preventing youth maltreatment in high-risk families. But, as Jane Waldfogel explains in this report, CPS also began developing prevention procedures for children at lower risk - those who are referred to CPS but whose cases do not meet the criteria for ongoing services. Preventive services delivered by CPS to high-risk families typically include case management and supervision. The families may also receive more preventive services, including individual and family counseling, respite care, parenting education, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, child care, and home visits. Researchers generally . . .