NCJ Number
237278
Date Published
March 1995
Length
30 pages
Annotation
This study explored the Structured Decision Making (SDM) system's ability to measure child maltreatment.
Abstract
Results indicate that the SDM system produced significant reductions in important measures of child maltreatment analyzed over the duration of the study follow-up period. Most significantly: in counties using the SDM system, the rate of new substantiations for abuse/neglect was less than half that reported in comparison counties; subsequent placements in foster care were significantly lower in SDM counties; child injuries recorded during the follow-up period were also lower in SDM counties. Results of this study demonstrate that the use of this system in Michigan resulted in better decisions regarding the selection of cases to be opened for services following substantiation. In counties using the SDM system, cases that were closed without services had fewer new reports and substantiations, fewer subsequent removals, and fewer child injuries reported over a 12-month follow-up period. When cases were opened to services, the SDM system resulted in significantly higher rates of service provision, especially in the critical areas of parenting skills training, family counseling, and mental health services. Data collected within the SDM pilot counties clearly indicate that services designed to improve parenting skills and reduce substance abuse, successfully reduce subsequent incidences of child maltreatment. To measure the effects of the new system, the 13 pilot counties were matched to other Michigan counties that were still operating under the "old" policies and procedures. All cases with abuse or neglect substantiated between September 1992 and October 1993 from both the pilot counties and the comparison counties formed the study cohort. Each group totaled approximately 900 families. Data on risk, needs, referrals, program participation, and outcomes were collected on all study cases. Table and figures