18.0 Introduction to Support Services to Preserve or Reunify Families | CWS

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), through its’ support services programs, provides an array of services designed to preserve or reunify families involved with or at risk of involvement with the child welfare system. The services include:

Each program offers distinct types of services to form a child welfare continuum of services from prevention through permanency. Early Intervention services can help families before they reach the point of needing Child Protective Services (CPS) intervention. Once a case is opened for services, Parent Aide, PUP, Homestead and Wrap-Around services can provide support, education and counseling for families. PSSF provides an array of services throughout the child welfare continuum. DFCS, in partnership with the family, should determine which services are most appropriate to meet the family’s needs. Eligibility for each service depends on the individual child and family circumstances as well as the programmatic and funding criteria of each program.

Most support services are purchased through community-based organizations and service providers. The services can be utilized on a continuum or in tandem as part of a family’s safety and/or case plan to strengthen the family’s capacity to provide care and protection of their children; and reduce the factors contributing to child abuse and neglect. DFCS’ partnerships with community-based resources is essential to ensuring that together families in need of early intervention or more intensive services can be provided with the most appropriate services within their community. It is important to note that service providers are mandated reporters and must report to DFCS suspected or known cases of child abuse or neglect during their interaction with families (see policy 3.24 Intake: Mandated Reporters).