Community response refers to an approach that offers voluntary, community-based resources or services to a family when a report regarding a child between the ages of three (3) and ten (10) has been made to the Department of Community Based Services (DCBS) but does not meet acceptance criteria for a child maltreatment assessment. When reports are made to DCBS, the reporter has some type of concern about the child's or family's well-being. However, less than half of the reports made to DCBS meet the acceptance criteria, which means that historically, more than half of the reports received no response to the concern being reported. Often, these are needs that could readily be met by a community-based agency serving children and families, which then addresses the need, strengthens the family, and promotes wellbeing. Utilization of a community response approach allows families to be connected to support and resources needed, reducing the likelihood of future reports or future maltreatment.
Community response is currently offered in Bath, Boone, Campbell, Clark, Kenton, Montgomery, Powell, and Rowan counties.