### Question
How does promoting safe and stable families define family support services?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 629a*, **family support services** is defined as:

> community-based services to promote the safety and well-being of children and families designed to increase the strength and stability of families (including adoptive, foster, and extended families), to increase parents’ confidence and competence in their parenting abilities, to afford children a safe, stable, and supportive family environment, to strengthen parental relationships and promote healthy marriages, and otherwise to enhance child development

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 629a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 7-SOCIAL SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER IV-GRANTS TO STATES FOR AID AND SERVICES TO NEEDY FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AND FOR CHILD-WELFARE SERVICES > Part B-Child and Family Services > subpart 2-promoting safe and stable families**

