The piece argues that while the U.S. Family First Prevention Services Act was designed to promote in-home supports and carefully prevent children’s removal, its implementation has often fallen short—especially where oversight, funding equity, and culturally-responsive services are lacking. It highlights that the core promise of prevention—keeping children safe in their families—can only be fulfilled if states allocate resources equitably, build rigorous risk-monitoring systems, tie funding to child safety outcomes and support a stable, well-equipped workforce.