Response systems and methods are disclosed for communications in connection with an automated computer-based notification system. One representative response method, among others, can be summarized by the following steps: initiating a notification communication to a personal communications device device (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, PDA, etc.) associated with a party; and during the notification communication, receiving a response from the party's personal communications device, indicating that the party associated with the personal communications device has received notice. A representative response system has mechanisms for performing the foregoing steps.