Abstract
The inability of child welfare agencies in rural communities to adequately address the needs of families through prevention or early intervention programs is associated with the likelihood that these families will be reported in crisis and could possibly lead to the child’s removal, and being placed in out of home care. Meeting the needs of families reported to the child welfare system, specifically those in rural communities that lack stable employment and housing, childcare, and support systems, and transportation has proven to be challenging. Family well being, in rural communities, such as El Dorado County, depends on services being available and accessible. A survey was administered to twenty-two professional, with experience working with child welfare clients. Findings revealed that prevention and early intervention services, currently available, are unable to meet the needs of low risk children and families. Further, the major challenge continues to be funding which limits services to children and families believed to be at greatest risk.