Family preservation services aim to address such causes and the need for subsequent alternative care arrangements by providing interventions that promote the safety and well being of the child and family. Such services may include:
-
Family support interventions
-
Health and nutrition programmes
-
Education programmes
-
Psychosocial support
-
Household economic strengthening programmes
Prevention of family separation is called for in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (article 16) and is integral to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (articles 5–9, 18, 24, 27-29). These rights apply to all families and children, regardless of their nationality, or status.
The Better Care Network advocates for assistance and service provision to vulnerable families, in order to prevent unnecessary separation. The documents in this section provide examples of social support and assistance programmes designed to maintain family unity.