FAMILY PRESERVATION Meaning and
Definition
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Family preservation is a term used to describe a range of strategies and interventions aimed at preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families and ensuring their overall well-being. It refers to efforts focused on preserving and maintaining the stability and integrity of a family unit by addressing various issues and challenges they may face.
At its core, family preservation recognizes the importance of maintaining the familial bond, as it is widely acknowledged that children thrive in a nurturing and stable family environment. Interventions under family preservation involve providing supportive services and resources to families, empowering them to overcome difficulties and remain intact. Such services may include counseling, parenting education, substance abuse treatment, and financial assistance, among others.
The key goal of family preservation is to address the underlying factors that contribute to the potential separation of children from their families, such as abuse, neglect, substance abuse, mental health issues, or extreme poverty. By intervening early and providing targeted support, family preservation aims to strengthen parental capacities and improve family functioning. When successful, these efforts result in improved child well-being and family stability, reducing the need for out-of-home care like foster care or adoption.
Family preservation operates on the principle that, whenever possible, children should be able to remain with their families, as it is in their best interest to do so. By working towards addressing the root causes of family instability and strengthening the family unit as a whole, family preservation seeks to create an environment where children can grow and thrive in a safe and loving family setting.
Etymology of FAMILY PRESERVATION
The word "family preservation" is derived from the combination of the words "family" and "preservation". Here is the breakdown of the etymology of each term:
1. Family:
The word "family" comes from the Latin word "familia", which initially referred to a household, specifically the individuals living under one roof. It was derived from the Latin word "famulus" meaning "servant" or "slave". Over time, the term evolved to encompass not only the immediate household but also extended relatives who shared a common ancestry or lived together.
2. Preservation:
The word "preservation" originates from the Latin word "praeservare", which is a combination of "prae" (meaning "before" or "in advance") and "servare" (meaning "to keep" or "to guard").
