Which of the following is a goal of child welfare services?

The goal of child welfare services is fundamentally centered around the well-being of children and families. One of the primary objectives is to maintain family connections and provide support, which fosters a stable and nurturing environment for children. This focus emphasizes the importance of keeping children with their families whenever it is safe and possible to do so, as research shows that children thrive best in family settings.

Support services often include prevention efforts, such as parenting classes, counseling, and resources to help families deal with crises. By enhancing the ability of families to care for their children, child welfare services aim not only to protect children but also to empower families, thereby reducing the need for out-of-home placements like foster care or institutional care.

This approach contrasts sharply with goals such as eliminating all foster care placements or ensuring that all children are adopted, which are not practical or aligned with the primary aim of supporting families. Additionally, prioritizing institutional care does not reflect current best practices in child welfare, which focus on home-based and community-based settings for the care and support of children. Ultimately, providing support while maintaining family connections aligns with the holistic approach that child welfare services strive for in promoting healthy development and stability for children.