Preventing Child Abuse & Neglect
Strengthening families with the support and resources they need to stay safe, stable, and together.
Our Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect programs are designed to support families who may be at risk of involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS).
Through initiatives like Differential Response and Preserving Families, our dedicated case managers work closely with parents and caregivers to connect them with essential services, including medical care, educational support, early intervention, and prevention strategies.
By addressing challenges early and providing compassionate guidance, we help families build stability, resilience, and a safe environment for their children.
Differential Response is a state-funded, referral based program that connects eligible families with community resources and support. Differential Response receives referrals from the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) for low level child welfare cases with the intent of providing family services to prevent children entering foster care.
Through a family-centered approach, we partner with families to identify strengths, address challenges, and connect them with services that promote child safety, family stability, and overall well-being. Our goal is to empower families, promote child safety, and help children remain in safe, stable, and nurturing homes. Families experience challenges from time to time. Early support gives families the opportunity to address challenges, strengthen protective factors, and access resources before concerns become larger barriers.
Differential Response
The Preserving Families program provides Family Preservation and Family Support Services for families involved with the child welfare system. Preserving Families provides case management, education, and resource coordination to address DCFS case plan goals, strengthen protective factors, and support safe and stable family environments. Services are delivered in collaboration with DCFS and community partners including CASA, JPO, CCSD, and existing RWFRC programming.
RWFRC’s Preserving Families program implements a structured, family-centered needs assessment process designed to reduce risk factors, strengthen protective factors, and support successful reunification in the Family Preservation Category or to prevent future child welfare involvement in the Family Supportive Services Category. For families referred by the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), assessment begins with a comprehensive review of the Case Plan Goals, and Conditions of Return to clearly identify the safety threats and behavioral changes required to prevent further child welfare involvement.