It is argued that successful therapeutic work with individuals and families in their natural environment can be greatly facilitated by the use of contracts. The steps that are essential in drawing up an effective contract are outlined. (MS)

Tested the effectiveness of intensive, in-home family reunification services in reunifying families separated by the placement of a child in out-of-home care. After 90 days, 93% of the families assigned to receive the intensive treatment were reunited, compared to 28% of families in a control group who received routine out-of-home care services.…

A description of an experimental, social agency program which helps parents cope with their children's behavior problems within the home. (BRT)

Compared outcomes of child welfare investigative decisions enhanced by the use of brief, intensive, family preservation services with those of unenhanced decisions. Found differences between the number of cases opened, length of time a case was open, length of time the child was at home, and the families' satisfaction with the agency. (Author/SD)