What is the intended benefit of adoption prevention programs?

The intended benefit of adoption prevention programs is to prevent the need for adoption through family support services. These programs are designed to address the root causes that may lead to a child needing to be adopted by providing support and resources to families. By focusing on strengthening families, enhancing parenting skills, and addressing issues such as mental health, substance abuse, and economic hardship, these initiatives strive to keep families together whenever possible. This not only benefits the children by allowing them to remain in their family environment but also helps to reduce the burden on the foster care and adoption systems.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary goal of adoption prevention programs. For example, increasing the number of adoptions or emphasizing foster care placements does not reflect the programs' emphasis on keeping families intact. Furthermore, limiting family reunification efforts runs counter to the philosophy of family preservation that underpins adoption prevention strategies. These programs are fundamentally about supporting families to stay together, rather than shifting children into new permanent homes.