Service Provider Approval Process
Providing meaningful alternative-to-abortion services requires that individuals are available to listen to the concerns of women in crisis and to provide them with non-judgmental support. Real Alternatives utilizes a network of existing community agencies, known as service providers, to accomplish these goals. The 118 service provider centers consist of 67 social service agencies, 33 pregnancy support centers, 4 adoption agencies, and 14 maternity homes located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  The quality of the service provided to women is of utmost importance to Real Alternatives.

This dedication to quality service is reflected in the Real Alternatives Service Provider Approval Process. Once a potential service provider expresses interest in becoming a provider for the program, the potential service provider is asked to submit information to start the evaluation process.

As a preliminary step, potential service providers must submit documentation confirming that they:

• are a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 tax exempt status
• maintain a pro-life mission and agree not to promote, refer, or counsel abortion nor abortifacients as an option to a crisis or unplanned pregnancy
• have a minimum of one year of experience in providing alternative to abortion services to women in crisis pregnancies
• do not charge a fee for services to eligible clients
• are nondiscriminatory
• agree to serve all eligible clients, including those with Limited English Proficiency
• agree not to promote the teaching or philosophy of any religion or religious organization while providing program services to the client
• will annually verify that all staff and volunteers have current PA State Police and Child Abuse background check clearances
• maintain client confidentiality
• will submit their counselor training materials, and policies and procedures manual for evaluation

If these preliminary requirements are met, potential service providers must then provide additional documentation regarding its operations, including:

• a copy of the Corporate Articles of Incorporation and Amendments filed with the Commonwealth Secretary of State
• a copy of the Bylaws of the Corporation
• a copy of the Mission Statement
• a policy and procedures manual to include a written confidentiality policy, nondiscrimination policy, Limited English Proficiency (LEP) policy, sexual harassment policy, abortion and abortifacient policy, and client grievance reporting policy.
• written PA State Police and Child Abuse Background Check employee/volunteer clearances 
• board of directors or equivalent governing body
• staff orientation training materials
• counselor training materials
• proof of general liability insurance for sites where services are rendered, as well as automobile and workers compensation insurance
• a copy of the IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt determination letter
• statement of agreement to Charitable Choice Act guidelines

Real Alternatives reviews these materials to ensure that the potential service provider has in place policies and procedures, including counselor training, to ensure the provision of quality pregnancy support services. If all criteria meets the approval of  Real Alternatives staff, executives, the board Chairman, Real Alternatives then inspects the physical sites, which must be handicapped accessible or have the capability to make special provisions for persons with disabilities. Following the site visit, PA Department of Public Welfare clearance of the new service provider is obtained and a contract is signed.

Real Alternatives then provides program training to the service provider counselors who deliver the services pursuant to program guidelines.  Only counselors who have received the program training can participate in the Real Alternatives program.

Once a service provider is added to the network, Real Alternatives monitors compliance with all program requirements annually.