Crisis intervention family preservation services

Family preservation programs have proliferated in recent years and attempts have been made to evaluate these efforts. However, synthesizing the litera ture in this area is difficult given the varieties of programs. To meet thi s challenge. it has been recommended that programs be compared across share d characteristics (Tracy, 1991). One such salient characteristic is theoret ical orientation as this guides the purpose and methods of programs (McGowa n, 1990). This review will concentrate on crisis intervention models, which comprise the theoretical framework of initial family preservation efforts as exemplified by the Homebuilders programs. A critique of the research in this area is offered and key findings are explored. In addition, suggestion s for service delivery and future research are provided.