Differential Response

Differential response, also referred to as “dual track,” “multiple track,” or “alternative response,” is an approach that allows child protective services to respond differently to accepted reports of child abuse and neglect, based on such factors as the type and severity of the alleged maltreatment, number and sources of previous reports, and willingness of the family to participate in services.

The Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) and American Humane national survey on differential response in child welfare showed great variation in state and county implementation of this approach, with generally low- and moderate-risk cases receiving a non-investigation assessment response without a formal determination or substantiation of child abuse and neglect. It is suggested that families receiving the non-investigation assessment response are more likely to be receptive to and engaged in the receipt of services when approached in a non-adversarial, non-accusatory way. The incident-based, often perceived adversarial, investigation is reserved for those accepted reports that are high-risk and egregious.

CWLA and American Humane (2006) identified core elements in differential response as an attempt to achieve definitional clarity and distinguish among the multitude of child protection reforms across the nation’s state and county child welfare systems. These core elements included"

• Two or more discrete tracks of intervention.
• Multiple responses for reports of maltreatment that are screened in and accepted for response.
• Track assignment determined by presence of imminent danger, level of risk, the number of previous reports, the source of the report, and/or presenting case characteristics such as type of alleged maltreatment and age of the alleged victim.
• A possible decrease or elevation in original track assignments based on additional information gathered during the investigation or assessment phase. An increase or decrease in threats of harm or risk level can trigger a change in track assignment.
• Establishment of multiple tracks codified in statute, policy and/or protocols.
• Voluntary services for families who receive a non-investigatory response, meaning families can accept or refuse the offered services without consequence.
• No substantiation of alleged maltreatment for families served in a non-investigation track and services offered without a formal determination of child maltreatment (i.e., substantiation). This means that perpetrators and victims are not identified for the alleged reports of maltreatment that receive a non-investigation response.
• Differential use of central registry depending on track, meaning the name of the alleged perpetrator is not entered into the central registry for those individuals who are served through a non-investigation track.