The notion of directing resources to those clients most in need of them is at the heart of the decision-support model known as the Structured Decision Making system. Currently, the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) is working with three U.S. jurisdictions in developing and implementing SDM assessments in support of the work of APS practitioners. Based on a national model of best practices, the SDM system is intended to promote the safety of vulnerable adults, identify and address their needs, decrease the incidence of self-neglect and maltreatment, enhance service delivery, and provide data needed for program administration. The SDM system for APS includes assessments, definitions, and policies and procedures to assist APS staff in performing intakes, investigations, and case planning by providing a consistent approach to obtaining and evaluating information. One of the central principles of the SDM system is identification and differentiation of decision points. APS workers make critical decisions based on limited information; they must decide whether the adult maltreatment reports they receive should be investigated, how quickly an investigation should be initiated, whether there are safety concerns, and whether to offer protective services at the close of each investigation. The goal of this approach is to achieve increased consistency and accuracy when assessing vulnerable adults at critical decision points during APS involvement. Use of structured assessments also provides data that managers can use to monitor practice and evaluate service provision. 3 figures and 17 references