
Parenting is challenging for everyone, and we all need a helping hand.
Strong Families Preventive Services
Forestdale’s Strong Families Preventive Program helps families facing challenges stay safely together and build stronger, more resilient futures. We provide evidence-based, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed services to prevent family separation and support long-term stability.
What Are Preventive Services?
Preventive services are designed to support families when stress, trauma, or crisis puts them at risk of child welfare involvement or foster care placement. Just like preventive healthcare, these services offer early support—before problems become emergencies.
Our services are voluntary, confidential, and free of charge to families in Queens and Brooklyn. We partner with parents and caregivers to keep children safe at home, strengthen family relationships, and help youth thrive. Preventive Services is now our largest program, helping more families address challenging situations and stay together.
Forestdale offers three Preventive services program models:
Solution-Based Casework: A goal-oriented casework model with proven results
Family Treatment & Rehabilitation: A unique model for families struggling with mental health or substance use
Trauma Systems Therapy: An evidence-informed model that helps children & families heal from trauma
Forestdale has delivered high-quality preventive services for over twenty years. We’ve served thousands of families, providing support that builds on each family’s strengths. If your family needs help, we are here for you at our Forest Hills headquarters and our Downtown Brooklyn and Jamaica locations. We can also visit you at your home.
Who We Serve
Families coping with mental health concerns, substance use, domestic violence, or housing instability
Young parents, including expectant and parenting teens
Families with youth showing behavioral concerns
Families reuniting after foster care placement
Families who have adopted and need additional support
What We Offer
Through a team of dedicated social workers, case planners, and community partners, we provide:
In-home counseling and parenting support
Crisis intervention and safety planning
Clinical mental health services and referrals
Housing advocacy and stability assistance
Youth mentoring and educational support
Domestic violence and trauma recovery services
Referral to respite care
Connection to resources for childcare, job training, legal aid, and more
We focus on building trust and creating a customized plan to help a family meet its goals, grow stronger, and stay connected.
Why It Matters
Families with early support are more likely to overcome challenges and avoid family separation. Our goal is to strengthen families, reduce the need for foster care, and promote safety, permanency, and well-being for every child.