The fourth annual Business Insurance directory of dependent care resource and referral agencies lists organizations that contract directly with employers to provide dependent care resource and referral services and offer these services on a stand-alone basis in at least three states. Companies that provide care services only or benefit consulting services only are not included.

To be listed in the directory, a company must also generate at least $100,000 in gross revenues from dependent care resource and referral services or provide services in at least three states.

Business Insurance defines dependent care resource and referral services as the determination of employee dependent care needs, research on available service providers, child care and elder care referrals, and establishment of community dependent care resources.

Listings begin with the company name, address, year resource and referral services began and parent company (if any). Next, child and elder care resource and referral services are listed. Program services provided by the company follow, including necessary preparation and research for corporate dependent care programs.

Service area includes the area covered either directly or through contracted services. If a company subcontracts with other dependent care resource and referral agencies, the number of contracted vendors is noted.

Clients denotes the total number of employer clients and the total number of employee lives covered at year-end 1995. The average resource and referral service utilization rate also is given. Staff information is specified in full-time equivalents for year-end 1996. Both the total number of employees and the number of employees dedicated to resource and referral services is listed. 1996 gross revenues are included, as well as the percent of revenues derived from dependent care resource and referral services.

Compensation includes the billing methods used as well as the price range (if provided) for both child care and elder care services. Next, information on communications and quality assurance services is listed. Principal officers and a contact person for those seeking more information complete the listings.

Directory listings are generated through to a Business Insurance questionnaire. The directory is published as an editorial service; there is no charge to be included. Although every effort is made to publish complete and accurate listings, BI is unable to verify all information.