What is the difference between Differential (Alternative) Response and Traditional Investigation?
Differential Response gives caseworkers the freedom to use an alternative approach when investigating some reports of child abuse and neglect. Instead of automatically beginning a traditional investigation, county agencies can choose to assess the needs of the child or family—in a non-threatening, non-adversarial manner—and offer services to meet those needs. With this method, the caseworker focuses less on the circumstances of the incident and more on the
family’s overall needs. By mid-2014, all Ohio counties will offer this option. An alternative response is neither better than nor a replacement for a traditional response. It merely acknowledges
that families have different circumstances that vary in severity and require different responses. In many cases, a traditional response is the only way to protect children from harm. In other cases, an alternative approach can resolve issues faster, more easily and with less disruption to children’s lives. For more information, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ocf/DifferentialResponse.stm.

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