In child welfare, what is meant by "intervention"?

The term "intervention" in child welfare refers to the actions taken to improve the situation of a child and their family. This encompasses a variety of services and supports designed to address identified needs, enhance family functioning, and ensure the safety and well-being of the child. Interventions can include providing resources, counseling, and various forms of assistance that help in resolving issues related to child abuse and neglect.

By focusing on improving the family's circumstances, interventions aim to create a safer environment for the child, supporting both the child's developmental needs and the overall family unit. This holistic approach recognizes that addressing underlying family issues often leads to better outcomes for children.

The other options, while related to the broader framework of child welfare, do not capture the comprehensive nature of intervention. Legal actions against offenders are an important part of the response to child abuse but do not directly improve the child's immediate situation. Support for foster parents is vital, yet it is a specific subset of intervention that does not encompass the variety of resources available to biological families. Training programs for social workers are essential for equipping professionals, but they do not represent the direct actions taken to assist children and families in need.