New York Consolidated Laws, Social Services Law - SOS § 409. Preventive services;  definition

As used in this title, “preventive services” shall mean supportive and rehabilitative services provided, in accordance with the provisions of this title and regulations of the department, to children and their families for the purpose of:  averting an impairment or disruption of a family which will or could result in the placement of a child in foster care;  enabling a child who has been placed in foster care to return to his family at an earlier time than would otherwise be possible;  or reducing the likelihood that a child who has been discharged from foster care would return to such care.