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For example, Wagner, Hull, and Luttrell (1995) found that agencies using SDM had lower referral rates, removal rates, substantiation rates, and fewer child injuries. North Carolina uses SDM because evidence shows that doing so can improve outcomes for families. In 2009, in response to that validation study, the Division updated the Risk Assessment (DSS-5230) and Risk Reassessment (DSS-5226).
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In 2008 the NC Division of Social Services contracted with CRC to conduct a validation study to ensure the tools used in this state are based on current data about North Carolina families.
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SDM was first developed in the 1990s by the Children's Research Center (CRC).
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North Carolina began using this set of research-based, actuarial risk assessment tools in 2002 in an effort to: SDM: Tools to Support Decision Making in North CarolinaĪpril 2017 SDM: Tools to Support Decision Making in North CarolinaĪn issue about decisions in child welfare in our state would be incomplete if it did not mention SDM (Structured Decision Making).
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