This is the foundation for Structured Decision Making. All of the assessments and other components are all built from the SDM Household. The SDM Household is built in the CFS Program Case. One Program Case can have one or more SDM Households and is dependent upon the complexity of the family makeup.
This is the main component for Structured Decision Making. This will in most cases be the first component to be completed for a case although it could be completed in conjunction with another component. This component will contain the major elements of the assessment process and determines the safety of the children in a household.
This component is to be documented whenever the worker has identified significant changes in the household that impacts the safety of the children negatively or positively.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) will be required if one or more children in the SDM Safety Assessment are determined to be Unsafe or Conditionally Safe.
When documented, this component will contain three narratives for each Safety Threat identified in the SDM Safety Assessment. The narratives will address how each threat will be managed and monitored. The SDM Safety Plan is directly tied to the SDM Safety Assessment and is approved when the Supervisor approves the associated SDM Safety Assessment.
The SDM Safety Plan also has a narrative called the Progress Narrative. The Progress Narrative can be used by the worker to document how well the family is meeting the Safety Plan goals.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is one of the first Assessments completed on a Family/Household for Child Abuse/Neglect cases (AKA “An Intake Report”).
The sole purpose of the SDM Initial Risk Assessment is to determine if there are any children in the household that are at risk of being abused/neglected. The results of this assessment determine if an Ongoing Case will be opened.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is one of the first Assessments completed on a Family/Household for Dependency Cases or Status Offense Cases (AKA “3B Cases”).
The sole purpose of the SDM Prevention Assessment is to determine if there are any children in the household that are at risk of being abused/neglected. The results of this assessment determine if an Ongoing Case will be opened.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is completed once it is determined that an Ongoing Case will be opened.
The sole purpose of the SDM Family Strength and Needs Assessment is to identify the household members, specifically the caregivers, characteristics. The results of this assessment provide information for the worker to develop a case plan.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is completed after an Ongoing Case has been opened. This assessment is to be completed only if all of the children have remained in the home.
The sole purpose of the SDM Risk Reassessment is to determine if all safety threats have been addressed and the recommendation is that the case can be closed.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is completed after an Ongoing Case has been opened. This assessment is to be completed only if one or more children are currently placed out of the home.
The sole purpose of the SDM Reunification Assessment is to determine if all safety threats have been addressed and if the children can be returned home.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
This component of Structured Decision Making (SDM) is completed when the Department has received a report of abuse/neglect in a Foster Home.
The SDM Assessment of Placement Safety and Suitability is to be completed for Foster Family type settings only and is not designed for congregate care facilities.
The sole purpose of the SDM Placement Change and Suitability Assessment is to determine if a Foster Home is providing appropriate care for Foster Children placed at the Foster Home.
This component will require Supervisory approval, which includes a separate Protection and Safety Supervisor Review process, in order to complete and be set to Final Status.
(03-2012)