Effects of the duration, intensity, and breadth of family preservation services: A new analysis of data from the illinois family first experiment

Abstract

Effects of key components of family preservation services were examined using data from a rigorous evaluation of intensive family preservation services in Illinois. Simultaneous equations were developed using two-stage least squares estimates to model relationships between case characteristics, service characteristics, and case outcomes. Results indicate that the duration, intensity, and breadth of family preservation services have little overall impact on out-of-home placement of children, the recurrence of child maltreatment, or the closing of cases in the public child welfare agency. Policy makers, practitioners, and researchers are advised to look beyond these features of family preservation programs in search of effective interventions for children and families.