Welcome to the
North Dakota Family Based Services Association Website!

Family-based services in an approach to the delivery of social services that focuses on entire family systems rather than on identified individuals, with the ultimate goal of preserving families whenever possible. The concept of family–based services is rooted in these beliefs:

• Children need permanency in their family relationships in order to develop into healthy productive individuals.

• The family is the best environment for the growth and development of children.

• Social service programs should make every effort to support families in their effort to raise their children.

• Services to families represent a shared family, professional and community commitment.

Thus, the primary objectives of family–based services are:

• To maintain, strengthen and empower families.

• To prevent family dissolution and the need for the placement of children out of their homes, whether in foster, group or institutional care.

• To reduce the dependency of families on social services by promoting self-sufficiency.

• To assure permanent, stable homes for children by promoting the adoption of those for whom intense efforts at prevention hand reunification have failed.

Thank you for visiting!