The Alternative Response
Program (ARP) was created by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
in order to partner with local DHHS districts to investigate allegations of
child abuse and neglect. The reports that are sent to the ARP tend to be those
reports that DHHS has determined to be low to moderate risk.
Specific areas of support include:
Our ARP Social Workers
contact the family to explain the nature of the report, conduct a child safety
assessment, partner with parents/care providers to assist them in identifying
supports they feel would be helpful, make referrals for services, and
monitor progress towards goals that are
identified to ensure child safety. There are times when cases may be closed
after the safety assessment is completed if it is determined there are no child
safety concerns. Other times, the social worker could remain involved with the
family to offer support for up to 4 months.
Eligibility:
Eligibility is determined by DHHS.
Referrals:
ARP holds many differences
than other services provided by Community Care. For most other programs of
Community Care, individuals can make referrals either for themselves or on
behalf of somebody else in order to become connected with a needed service. In
ARP, all referrals come from DHHS – specifically the Office of Child and Family
Services (OCFS).
Service area:
Community Care holds the ARP contract in York, Somerset/Kennebec,
Piscataquis/Penobscot, Hancock, and Aroostook counties.