Section 409. Preventive services; definition

As used in this title,
  "preventive services" shall mean supportive and rehabilitative  services
  provided,   in   accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  title  and
  regulations of the department, to children and their  families  for  the
  purpose of:  averting an impairment or disruption of a family which will
  or  could  result in the placement of a child in foster care; enabling a
  child who has been placed in foster care to return to his family  at  an
  earlier   time  than  would  otherwise  be  possible;  or  reducing  the
  likelihood that a child who has been discharged from foster  care  would
  return to such care.