ASSESSING THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN AT RISK OF MALTREATMENT - DECISION-MAKING MODELS

Child protective service caseworkers must make difficult decisions abo ut the safety of maltreated children. Decision-making models for helpi ng staff members balance the dual roles of child protection and family preservation are increasing. Results of a review of 10 models suggest that although some criteria overlap in these models, there are also w ide differences in definitions, purposes, and the level of research su pport for the criteria being used to guide decision-making.