Alternative Response is an approach by Louisiana DCFS to help families access services, support, and other assistance that will help families, without requiring a formal investigation of child abuse or neglect. It is based on the belief that families can stay together if they receive the assistance needed. This occurs by creating a partnership between families and caseworkers that ensures child safety and well-being by addressing any identified issues as early as possible. With Alternative Response, children are safer sooner and families are strengthened.

Under Act 409, Alternative Response Family Assessment focuses on assessing the underlying family dynamics and evaluating the safety and well-being of the children involved, while ensuring referrals are made for appropriate services and supports. The following criteria for ARFA include:

• Child-on-child sexual abuse that occurs in the home without parental culpability

• Referrals from law enforcement of alleged child-on-child sexual abuse that occurs in a school setting, to include an assessment of alleged perpetrating child’s family and the child’s victim’s family