The information in this program outline is provided by the program representative and edited by the CEBC staff. The Structured Decision Making (SDM) program has been rated by the CEBC in the area of: Child Welfare Initiatives.

• Child Welfare Outcomes: Safety and Permanency
• Types of Maltreatment: Does not target any specific kind of maltreatment
• Target Population: Families referred to and assessed by CPS agencies.

SDM is a comprehensive case management system for Child Protective Services (CPS). CPS workers employ objective assessment procedures at major case decision points from intake to reunification to improve child welfare decision-making. SDM targets agency services to children and families at high risk of maltreatment and helps ensure that service plans reflect the strengths and needs of families. When effectively implemented, it increases the consistency and validity of case decisions, reduces subsequent child maltreatment, and expedites permanency. The assessments from the model also provide data that help agency managers monitor, plan, and evaluate service delivery operations.