Dec. 21, 2009
Alternative Response Pilot Project Expands Via National Study
An Ohio pilot project seeking to protect children and strengthen families will expand thanks to $1.8 million in funding over the next four years.
Ohio’s 10-county alternative/differential response pilot project, which has been in operation for 18 months, aims to provide services and support systems to families in trouble at the outset rather than initiating a child welfare investigation no matter the circumstances. It is a joint effort by the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS).
The six-county consortium of Clark, Champaign, Madison, Montgomery, Richland and Summit counties will participate in a national study to answer the research question of: “Is differential response an effective approach in child protective services and, if so, what are the specific elements that make it effective?” The awards were announced last week by the National Quality Improvement Center on Differential Response in Child Protective Services.
The counties involved in Ohio’s pilot project started taking cases through this alternative means in July 2008, and courts have seen reductions in the number of filings.
The change in approach came about through a recommendation from a subcommittee of the Supreme Court’s Advisory Committee on Children, Families and the Courts. Previously, the law only allowed for a child welfare investigation. Now, counties involved in the pilot project can work with families to connect them with the services needed to help alleviate the stresses that often lead to abuse and neglect. Legislation enacted in 2006 authorized the pilot project.
The 10 counties involved in the pilot project include: Clark, Fairfield, Franklin, Greene, Guernsey, Licking, Lucas, Ross, Trumbull and Tuscarawas.
