August 1, 2005

Alternative Response Systems Program

This report, written by Carol Brandford, Office Chief, Office of Children's Administration Research, Sherry C. Brummel, Research Supervisor, Office of Children's Administration Research, Timothy K. Clark, Information Technology Application Specialist, Office of Children's Administration Research, Natalia Filatova, Research Analyst, Office of Children's Administration Research, and Jolene Skinner, Data Compiler, Office of Children's Administration Research, covers information on the families referred to the Alternative, Response System, (ARS), family engagement rates in services, length of services, outcomes for families at six months post service, and regional service differences. During this report period, 2,020 referrals were made to ARS providers. Recommendations for Children's Administration and providers include improved referral and tracking systems, improved monitoring of contacts, engagement and service delivery to clients, and improved process for gauging client satisfaction.