August 2003

Does Child Protective Services always respond in the same way to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect?

No. A growing number of states have adopted alternative methods of responding to reports of suspected maltreatment of children. In states where an alternative response system is in place, there are at least two ways to respond. The choice would be determined by

• the severity of the report,

• the level of danger to the child,

• the availability of necessary formal and informal community supports, and

• the willingness of the family to participate voluntarily in services and make the required changes.

This alternative system is known by several names: dual track, differential response, and multiple tracks. The following responses are the most universally applied:

• When reports indicate that a child is in serious or immediate danger, an immediate investigation takes place. (See August 2002, FAQ-What happens during a CPS investigation?) This is the investigation track. Child protective services staff, law enforcement, and the court may become involved.

• The second response is the assessment track. This option is offered instead of a formal investigation to families who are able to keep their children safe while receiving services. These families volunteer to receive services without the intervention of the court. After receiving immediate intervention, they are connected to community resources and support services that enable families to better care for their children. The services are individualized and tailored to meet each family's unique needs. Most cases on the assessment track are neither court involved nor registered in the state's central registry of child abuse and neglect. However, if the risk to the child increases or the family decides not to continue the voluntary agreement, the court can be involved.

An alternative response to reports of abuse and neglect allows states to focus on more ways to help the child and family. This option requires community partnerships between public and private sectors, as well as the development of formal and informal supports, to protect children and strengthen families. These support systems encourage a partnership between the Child Protective Services (CPS) and the community to fully serve these children and families and are quite compatible with systems of care.

In some states, it has become necessary to change state law to effectively use the alternative response.

Technical Assistance Partnership for Child and Family Mental Health

Child Welfare Frequently Asked Questions

Does Child Protective Services always respond in the same way to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect?

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	August 2003 Does Child Protective Services always respond in the same way to a report of suspected child abuse or neglect? No. A growing number of states have adopted alternative methods of responding to reports of suspected maltreatment of children. In states where an alternative response system is in place, there are at least two ways to respond. The choice would be determined by • the severity of the report, • the level of danger to the child, • the availability of necessary formal and informal community supports, and • the willingness of the family to participate voluntarily in services and make the required changes. This alternative system is known by several names: dual track, differential response, and multiple tracks. The following responses are the most universally applied: • When reports indicate that a child is in serious or immediate danger, an immediate investigation takes place. (See August 2002, FAQ-What happens during a CPS investigation?) This is the investigation track. Child protective services staff, law enforcement, and the court may become involved. • The second response is the assessment track. This option is offered instead of a formal investigation to families who are able to keep their children safe while receiving services. These families volunteer to receive services without the intervention of the court. After receiving immediate intervention, they are connected to community resources and support services that enable families to better care for their children. The services are individualized and tailored to meet each family's unique needs. Most cases on the assessment track are neither court involved nor registered in the state's central registry of child abuse and neglect. However, if the risk to the child increases or the family decides not to continue the voluntary agreement, the court can be involved. An alternative response to reports of abuse and neglect allows states to focus on more ways to help the child and family. This option requires community partnerships between public and private sectors, as well as the development of formal and informal supports, to protect children and strengthen families. These support systems encourage a partnership between the Child Protective Services (CPS) and the community to fully serve these children and families and are quite compatible with systems of care. In some states, it has become necessary to change state law to effectively use the alternative response.