The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Alternative Response (AR) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Child Welfare Initiatives.

• Child Welfare Outcomes: Safety and Child/Family Well-Being
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Child Maltreatment reports that do not allege sexual abuse or substantial child maltreatment (as defined by MN statute 626.556).

The Minnesota Child Protection Response Continuum allows the child protection system to have the flexibility of an Alternative Response that includes a combined Family Assessment track and Investigation track when responding to accepted child maltreatment reports. This flexibility enhances the match of the intervention to the presenting maltreatment concern. Some reports, by law, continue to receive a forensic investigative response due to the nature of the maltreatment report (e.g., sexual abuse, serious physical abuse, child endangerment). Other reports that don't require this level of intervention are best served through a typical family assessment approach that offers support and assistance.