Which of the following best describes the purpose of child welfare services?

The purpose of child welfare services primarily aims at the prevention of child neglect and abuse. This proactive approach is fundamental to the philosophy underlying child welfare, as it recognizes that early intervention and support can help families before issues escalate to the point where a child might be harmed or removed from the home. By focusing on prevention, child welfare services can provide resources, support, and education to families, thereby fostering safer and more nurturing environments for children. This comprehensive strategy underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of neglect and abuse, rather than simply responding to cases after they occur.

While other choices may reflect aspects of child welfare, they do not encompass the primary goal of the system. For instance, the focus on intervention only in cases of abuse is reactive, rather than preventive. Providing educational resources, although beneficial, is just one component of a broader strategy that must also include measures to prevent potential harm. Similarly, managing child custody cases is part of the child welfare system but does not capture the overarching goal to promote the well-being and safety of children through prevention and support. Hence, the emphasis on prevention is what most accurately conveys the fundamental purpose of child welfare services.