Putting Families First: An Experiment in Family Preservation is a comprehensive evaluation of a large rancomized experiment of Family First a placement prevention program in Illinois. It offers insights into the tensions between policies advocating family preservation and those favoring out-of-home placement. The authors conclude that placement prevention programs are but one component in a comprehensive effort to reform the child welfare system, and require both improvements in the foster care system and more refined decision-making in individual cases. Virtually new, softbound. Virtually new, softbound.