Human Services Agency of San Francisco

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Based on the report, Hotline staff will determine the level of risk to the child. Hotline social workers utilize a standardized, research-based assessment tool known as SDM-Structured Decision Making to help identify the risk and safety factors, and to determine the type of initial response that is required.

Key questions at this stage include:

• Is the child in imminent danger?
• What is the risk of maltreatment?
• What are the family's strengths and resources?
• Does the suspected child abuse meet the legal definition of abuse or neglect?
• Is an in-person response required, and if so, how quickly?