"The Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) mission is to keep the children safe, families strong, and ensure that any child or youth who is at risk or has suffered abuse or neglect is safe, cared for, and grows up in a stable, loving family. It is the belief of the DFCS that if out-of-home placement for children and youth is necessary, placement with relatives or a non-related extended family member (NREFM) is the preferred resource and one that will maintain the child’s familial connection. DCFCS records the percentage of out-of-home placement for children with non-related extended family members.