Prevention and In-Home Services Manual

Helping Families Stay Strong, Safe and Together 

Prevention and In-Home Services are here to help families stay safe, strong and together. The goal is to support parents and caregivers so children can grow up healthy, cared for and nurtured in their own homes. 

The main goals are to: 

• Stop child abuse or neglect before it happens or happens again
• Keep children with their families and prevent foster care when possible 

How Prevention and In-Home Services Work

Each family’s plan is based on: 

• The family’s unique needs and strengths 
• How much stress or trauma the family has faced
• The level of support from the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS)

Why Prevention and In-Home Services Matter

When families connect with services early, they can: 

• Solve problems sooner and lower the risk of abuse, neglect or foster care 
• Keep their children at home and maintain strong sibling connections
• Build confidence and learn skills that help them be more self-sufficient 
• Learn new ways to manage stress, handle behavior challenges and strengthen family relationships 

A Hopeful Path Forward

Every family has strengths. Prevention and In-Home Services help build on those strengths so families can heal, grow and stay together. 

If your family is facing challenges, you don’t have to face them alone. Support is available through your Local Department of Social Services. 

Manual

Effective 02-2024

• Section 1: Prevention Overview
• Section 2: Prevention and In-Home Services to Families
• Transmittal 308

See past versions of the manual.