Frequently Asked Questions

[su_spoiler title=”What is Alternative Response?” tag=”h3″ rel=”ar-highlander”] Alternative Response (AR) is a more flexible way to respond to low risk child abuse and neglect cases. It is a means of engaging with families and not investigating them to come up with a finding. Under Alternative Response, low risk cases are handled using a more collaborative process involving the family in assessing the family’s own situation to identify and meet underlying needs. The assessment will help to identify appropriate supports for the family. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title=”Will this mean more cases for child welfare workers?” tag=”h3″ rel=”ar-highlander”] 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. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title=”What major difference will this mean for responding to allegations of child abuse and neglect?” tag=”h3″ rel=”ar-highlander”] 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. [/su_spoiler] [su_spoiler title=”Has this approach worked elsewhere?” tag=”h3″ rel=”ar-highlander”] Yes! Many other states have used this refined approach to partner with parents to protect children while still aggressively addressing the most serious cases. Some survey results include:
  • Parents in an AR case reported having more positive responses to CPS than those who received an investigation.
  • Workers reported that AR parents were more cooperative and willing to accept services.
  • Workers generally favored the AR approach to working with families.
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