Traditional vs. Alternative Responses to Reports of Child Maltreatment

The following table originally appeared in the spring 2001 issue of Best Practice/Next Practice, the newsletter of the National Child Welfare Resource Center for Family-Centered Practice. It has been adapted to reflect North Carolina's multiple response practice. For additional information on alternative responses in child welfare, we encourage you to read this issue of Best Practice/Next Practice <http://www.hunter.cuny.edu/socwork/nrcfcpp/downloads/newsletter/BPNPSpring01.pdf>.

Traditional vs. Alternative Responses to Reports of Child Maltreatment

TRADITIONAL	ALTERNATIVE (includes Multiple Response)
Report made to hotline or agency designated to receive reports	Same
Screen report—decide if report meets statutory standard for abuse or neglect; decide if emergency response is required	Same
Assign report to investigator in child protective services	Assign report to CPS for either investigation or family assessment
Determine if abuse or neglect can be founded or substantiated	Same if case on investigation track. If on the family assessment track, or another non-investigatory track, determine if the family is in need of services, what would be helpful, and engage family in process to accept services
If founded/substantiated, enter name of alleged perpetrator in state’s central registry according to state procedures	Same for investigative track; with central registry information for other tracks
Conduct assessment to determine case plan	Make necessary referrals to arrange for services. Formal case plans are always completed
Involve court to order services or to determine need for out-of-home placement	Involve court if child has to be placed outside home, placement is voluntary, or case changes track
Provide necessary services	Same
Evaluate progress and change case plan as needed	Evaluate progress and change approach as needed
Close case	Same