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Nichd Early Child Care Research Network: This definition is problem-focused, emphasizing prevention and remedy. It recognizes the value of strengthening a child's own home where possible. Where this is not possible, a variety of substitute living situations is provided.
Child welfare services are directed to the social problem of deprivation of parental care. As the accompanying chart illustrates, they are designed to help with society's child-rearing task in three important ways: (1) to substitute for parental care either partially or wholly according to a child's individual needs; (2) to supplement the care that a child receives, or to compensate for certain inadequacies or limitations in parental care; and (3) to support or reinforce the ability of parents to meet their children's needs.
Service ideally starts as long before the birth as possible, to assure for the mother the protection of good prenatal care; freedom from environmental and psychological stress during the pregnancy; acceptance and understanding counsel both before and after the child's birth to help the mother—and whenever possible the father also—to make nichd early child care research network as well as sound decisions regarding care or re-linquishment of the child; to work out plans for caring for the child; and to assist the parents in the solution of problems related to unmarried parenthood.
Service designed to substitute for natural parental care, either partially or completely, is still the predominant child welfare service. Of the total number of children receiving child welfare services in the United States, more than half are receiving service away from their own homes and their own families.
Substitute care programs include foster family care, institutional care, and adoption.
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