Alternative Response Program

“We regard our ARP Social Worker incredibly high in this household. Can’t say enough wonderful things about him. He was instrumental in getting our son needed services.”   

Parent receiving ARP Services

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 from 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.