Differential Response System Overview, CY 2016

(2016) Differential Response System Overview, CY 2016. Human Services, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

[img]
Preview
PDF
CY_16_DR_RPT.pdf

File Size:1MB
[img]
Preview
PDF
Differential_Response_Conversation_Presentation.pdf

File Size:593kB
[img]
Preview
PDF
Differential-Response-Explainer-2nd-quarter-3.pdf

File Size:145kB

Abstract

The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) began its Differential Response (DR) System in January 2014. The system consists of two pathways - Family Assessment (FA) and Child Abuse Assessment (CAA) - to respond to allegations of neglect and abuse. DR was instituted by the DHS based on child welfare research and best practices demonstrating that intakes involving the most serious allegations of abuse require shorter timeframes to ensure initial safety of children, need more involved family support services at the conclusion of a DHS assessment, and may also require legal action to ensure caregivers meet the needs of their children. Allegations found to involve families at lower risk for committing child abuse are separated from allegations that involve the most serious allegations of abuse. DR created the framework by which allegations of varying severity prompt an appropriately differentiated response. Changes made in the Iowa Administrative Code, which created the regulatory framework for the implementation of DR, impacted worker response times, the labeling of perpetrators and victims, and eligibility for contracted child welfare services. In addition, Code changes established a firm path for case reassignment from the FA pathway to CAA pathway in the event children are unsafe or only conditionally safe. These decisions were based on the premise that safety of a child is first and foremost in both a FA and CAA.

Item Type: Departmental Report
Keywords: Differential Response System, Human Services, DHS, Child Abuse
Subjects: Social issues and programs
Social issues and programs > Children and youth
Social issues and programs > Children and youth > Childabuse
Social issues and programs > Children and youth > Childabuse > Child abuse and neglect forms
ID Code: 25459
Deposited By: Margaret Barr
Deposited On: 06 Nov 2017 16:32
Last Modified: 06 Nov 2017 16:42
URI: https://publications.iowa.gov/id/eprint/25459