NCJ Number
237277
Date Published
June 1995
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of an evaluation of Michigan's use of the structured decisionmaking system in child protection service cases.
Abstract
The evaluation of Michigan's use of the structured decisionmaking (SDM) model in its Children's Protective Services (CPS) services delivery system found that families in counties that used the SDM model experienced greater contact with the service agency if their assessed level of risk for child abuse and neglect was high. Beginning in 1992, the Michigan Department of Social Services implemented a case management system in 13 counties that used the SDM model in child abuse and neglect cases. The SDM system includes five components: an actuarial assessment of family risk for future abuse or neglect; a systematic needs assessment which identifies family strengths and weaknesses and monitors service referrals; service standards that clearly define different levels of case contact, based on risk levels; a system of case review and risk reassessment to monitor case progress and expeditiously move cases through the system; and a comprehensive information system to provide data for monitoring service intervention, planning, and evaluation to managers and supervisors. The evaluation compared the outcome of families in counties that used the SDM model to those in counties that did not and found that for every major type of service referral, family service participation in the SDM counties was significantly higher than in comparison counties. 12 figures and 1 table