Examples of research results, decision support systems, and data from past efforts are interspersed throughout to illustrate the value of the model. The case-management model described is based on two principles. First, decisions can be significantly improved when structured appropriately; that is, specific criteria must be considered for every case by every worker through highly structured assessment procedures. Second, priorities given cases must correspond directly to the assessment process. Expectations of staff must be clearly defined and practice standards must be readily measurable. The model is based on work completed in five States, ranging from the largest, Alaska, to the smallest, Rhode Island. Although the scope of services delivered varies considerably among these agencies, each case management system incorporates five basic components. These are highly structured assessments of family risk and family needs; service standards that define various levels of case contacts, based on risk levels; and a workload accounting and budgeting system that translates service standards into resource requirements and helps deploy resources equitably throughout the organization. Other components are a system of case review and reassessment to expeditiously move cases through the system and a comprehensive information system to provide data for monitoring, planning, and evaluation. 1 table, 7 figures, 4 references, and sample assessment forms