Ira M. Schwartz

Although the concept of working with troubled and troubling children and
families in their own homes is not a new idea (see chapter 1 by Wells), it
is one that is gaining in popularity. In fact, home-based services are mush-
rooming throughout the country. With the recent enactment of the federal
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and the availability of nearly $1
billion in federal funds for family preservation and family support services
during the next few years, these programs will enjoy continued support well
into the future.

Child welfare professionals, juvenile justice officials, mental health pro-
fessionals, child advocates, and elected public officials at the local, state, and
national levels have been advocating more preventive-oriented services for
decades. Their voices have finally been heard.

In enacting the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, Congress wisely
mandated the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services
to take steps ensuring that family preservation and family support programs
are carefully evaluated (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993). De-
spite the broad support these programs enjoy from professionals and child
advocates, the early claims of success in preventing placements, particularly
in cases of child abuse and neglect, were based upon studies that were flawed
or information that was largely anecdotal. More recent studies with rigorous
designs suggest that we should be more cautious and lower our expectations
until we learn more about the potential of these programs. They may help
provide services families desperately need, but they may not be as effective

-200-