Following an historical overview of the family preservation movement, the authors outline a pragmatic approach to family-centered assessment and treatment that is designed to empower families to change. The book defines characteristics of high-risk families and discusses the types of agencies involved with families at risk. Treatment strategies that are examined here include reparenting, putting parents in charge, building hope in families, the ecological systems approach, problem solving and conflict resolution skills, confrontation, and multidimensional interventions. Special attention is paid to intervening with families characterized by sexual or physical abuse, HIV or AIDS, homelessness, domestic violence, and substance abuse.