Specialty Permanency Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of formal support?

1. Childcare provided by grandparents

2. Paid services from a social worker

3. Community volunteers assisting with transportation

4. Friends offering emotional support

The correct answer is: Paid services from a social worker

Formal support is typically provided through organized, professional systems and institutions. In this context, paid services from a social worker exemplify formal support because these services are structured, regulated, and often funded by government or private organizations. Social workers possess specialized training and qualifications to help individuals and families navigate various challenges, thereby offering a systematic and professional approach to assistance. In contrast, other options reflect informal support systems. For instance, childcare provided by grandparents, community volunteers assisting with transportation, and friends offering emotional support are all instances of informal networks that rely on personal relationships and communal ties rather than professional involvement. These forms of support, while valuable, do not have the same level of organization, training, or institutional backing that defines formal support.