From TVGuide.com’s Ask Ausiello, May 7th:
Question: With Diane Neal leaving Law & Order: SVU, what are the odds of Stephanie March returning as Alex? – Judith
Ausiello: Officially, an SVU spokesperson denies that March is returning next season. Unofficially, I’m hearing that the actress is engaged in very preliminary talks with The Wolfster to appear in a handful of episodes next season.
—–
So it’s just hearsay but it gives you hope when coupled with Stephanie March’s response when asked about her coming back.
My guess to the “appear in a handful of episodes” is to mean she’s coming back as a Bureau Chief who has to reign in the new ADA to SVU. Think Cabot as the new Donelly. Mmmm…. a Patented Cabot Ass Chewing ™ (c).