Final answer:
The statement that child welfare services are focused on separating families is false. They strive to keep families together and focus on the best interests of the child, which includes preserving family connections whenever possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common perception that child welfare services are primarily focused on separating children from their biological family for their own safety is false. Child welfare services aim to promote the well-being of children, with an emphasis on keeping families together whenever possible. When out-of-home placements are necessary, as in the case of abuse or neglect, these services strive for the reunification of the child with their biological family or work towards finding a permanent, loving home for the child. Data has shown an attempt to keep siblings together and provide stability in foster care placements. Efforts to strengthen the child welfare system focus on prevention and family support to reduce the need for foster care. However, it is still acknowledged that challenges remain, such as the high number of children waiting for adoption, especially older children, children in sibling groups, and those with disabilities.