What is Alternative Response?
Alternative Response is a smarter way to respond to low risk child neglect cases. It is a means of “engaging” families and not just “investigating” them. Under alternative response, low risk cases are handled through an alternate process that works collaboratively with families through the provision of services like we do today, but does not result in a formal finding. The result will be a family assessment that will identify appropriate supports for families.
How does Alternative Response fit in with Place Matters?
Alternative Response is the logical next step in our Place Matters service delivery model and will help us to produce even greater outcomes for children. It builds on family engagement – which we already know helps to improve outcomes.
Will this mean more cases for child welfare workers?
No. Only cases that are currently screened in for investigation will be included in the Alternative Response program. The referral to services that can occur as a result of Alternative Response could prevent the family from becoming the focus of a future maltreatment investigation.
What major difference will this mean for responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect?
It depends on the nature of the allegation. For low risk reports where the case does not involve a serious injury or harm to a child it will result in a strength based approach to the intervention with the family. In others where serious injury or harm to the child is reported, it will result in a traditional investigation to determine if maltreatment occurred and identifying someone as responsible.
Has this approach worked elsewhere?
Yes! Many other states have used this refined approach to partner with parents to protect children while still aggressively addressing the most serious cases.
Will staff training be made available to child welfare workers?
Yes, we will be training staff. We will also have a public awareness effort that will educate the public as well as our many stakeholders, including school systems, law enforcement, hospitals, and the courts.
