It is possible to avoid taking a child into care by strengthening the family, providing additional supports and helping reduce the risk to the child.

The costs of preserving a family are usually many times less than the lifetime community cost of taking a child into care, but everywhere governments are reluctant to invest in prevention.

Examples of possible preventative action include:

• Anger management training for parents/carers
• Respite care for at-risk parents/carers
• In-home support, including practical provisions
• Security of housing
• Direct support for costs of raising children
• Emergency accommodation
• Protection from abusive partners and former partners
• Support services for the child (counselling, education support, health care)
• Alcohol and drug programs
• Parenting skills training
• Temporary removal during risk-periods, for either the child or the parent/carer
• Household management skills
• Counselling for parents/carers
• Advocacy help to access support services over the range of family needs

The Alliance recommends that prevention, including early intervention and additional resourcing for families, is a compelling option that will reduce community cost and improve outcomes.