Decision-making in Child Protective Services: A Study of Effectiveness, Phase I, 1997

The study will examine the criteria used by CPS workers to determine the level of the risk/severity for different types of abuse, to assess the likelihood of recurrence, and to decide to substantiate. Criteria associated with placement during the investigation phase and postsubstantiation decisions regarding risk of imminent harm also will be examined. Researchers will identify criteria most closely associated with each decision point and will develop models for each type of decision under study. These predictive models then can serve as a foundation for the development of decision protocols and recommendations regarding the enhancement of operation procedures.

Investigators: English, Diana