Family preservation: A content analysis of literature

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to understand the problems that emerged while attempting the implementation of the family preservation program within child welfare services and other service providers as depicted in the literature. The existing literature on family preservation services revealed limitations to program implementation, including improper use of risk assessments, the chronic nature of poverty, a lack of resources, fragmented systems, a lack of collaboration, and a lack of utilization of supportive services. This meta-analysis revealed that future research is needed on the relationship between the family's needs and the services received. Recommendations from the literature included duration of services, assessing appropriate target population and services, and restructuring of family preservation programs. This information may be beneficial to the field of social work as it focuses on the effectiveness of the implementation of family preservation services