Family Assessment Response (FAR)

382 State Route 37, Akwesasne
Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 518-358-4516, 518-358-9659

The Family Assessment Response (FAR) is a child protective response that does not require an investigation. It is an alternative approach to providing protection to children by focusing on engaging families in informal and formal support services that meet their needs and increases their ability to care for their children. FAR requires an initial assessment of child safety. If a child is assessed to be in danger, the report may not be handled using a family assessment response. States have found that a family assessment approach is less threatening to and is more engaging of families. It allows the family to have a larger role in determining what services will benefit their children and the DSS is more likely to be viewed by the family as a helping entity in the future should issues arise that create risk to children.