Talk:The Robotic Manipulation/@comment-65.52.138.13-20120531032023

FAR ( Family Assessment Response) (differential or alternative rpsoense) legislation has been passed in New York State (Amending the social services law/chapter452). FAR's intention is provide more flexible and effective repsonses to families reported to the Statewide Central Registry. FAR was temporarily authorized in 2007 for local departments of social services (LDSS) outside fo New York City. As of 2010, 21 LDSS's have engaged in FAR practice.Casey Family Programs, under an Agreeement with the American Humane Association and OCFS has supported expansion of training and coaching of FAR casework supervisors and caseworkers and a quality assurance review of cases to determine the quality of services provided and aherence ot the FAR model. ACS is considering an overall strategy for FAR, that will include an assessment of readiness and a plan for implementation.FAR practice approach, under the law, requires that a family be notified that the LDSS, intends to use the FAR approach rather than a traditional CPS investigation. The FAR process emphasizes a review of the family's strenghts, concerns and needs. A plan for the provision of services that responsive to the needs of the family and supportive of family stabilization. A joint evalaution and assessment of the family's progress including ongoing, periodic assessments of the risk of the child. During the course of a FAR intervention, any concerns by the LDSS on risk and the FAR cases can be redirected to atraditional CPS investigation. FAR cases are time limited in nature. In meeting family needs, the invovlement of community insitutions in engaging families is critical to the success of the FAR intervention.Over 8,000 cases, from 1/09 have been diverted through FAR. In general,the type sof cases responded to were inadequate guardianship, educational neglect and parent durg/alcohol abuse.Given the priority placed on FAR, its expansion through 21 counties, it has become a key for front end change. On the OCFS website is a report,  Differential Response in Child Protective Services in New York State  which was submitted to the legislature and documents individual counties and statewide impacts.Howard Knoll