family support services
(2) Family support services (A) In general The term “family support services” means community-based services designed to carry out the purposes described in subparagraph (B). (B) Purposes described The purposes described in this subparagraph are the following: (i) To promote the safety and well-being of children and families. (ii) To increase the strength and stability of families (including adoptive, foster, and extended families). (iii) To support and retain foster families so they can provide quality family-based settings for children in foster care. (iv) To increase parents’ confidence and competence in their parenting abilities. (v) To afford children a safe, stable, and supportive family environment. (vi) To strengthen parental relationships and promote healthy marriages. (vii) To enhance child development, including through mentoring (as defined in section 629i(b)(2) of this title ).