RE: Use of technology in the child welfare system

["Moore, Terry D" <terrym@xxxxxx>]

I have had a hard time finding published studies on this topic as well.
My interests have been on the use of the data generated out of these
mammoth systems.  I have developed a web-based management reporting
system that provides up-to-date information on a broad range of outcomes
and other operational measures.  We have anecdotal information from one
of the states we are working with about increased outcome performance
levels that seem to be a result of increased usage of these data. I have
also developed an organizational culture survey on the use of data that
I have administered in two states.  I am in the process of writing this
up for publication.  

-----Original Message-----
From: bounce-1237862-6833918@list.cornell.edu
[mailto:bounce-1237862-6833918@list.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Heisler,
Kurt W.
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2007 4:52 PM
To: Child Maltreatment Researchers 
Subject: Use of technology in the child welfare system


 
I am looking for information on the use and impact of technology in the
child welfare system (e.g., child protective services, foster care,
adoption). One example would be research being done on Statewide
Automated Child Welfare Information Systems (SACWIS), which most states
use to track their child welfare data and programs. There seems to be
very little being published on how these systems and technology - which
are changing the face of child welfare and costs billions of dollars -
are affecting child welfare workers (e.g., their productivity,
efficiency, effectiveness) and child welfare outcomes (e.g., safety of
children, service delivery). 

I'm familiar with the SACWIS-related work done by the Administration for
Children & Families, the American Public Human Services Association, and
the National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology. 

If you know of any other links, researchers, contacts, or resources
related to this topic it would be very helpful. 

Thank you!

Kurt Heisler

Kurt Heisler, M.S., M.P.H. 
Ph.D. Candidate, Health Services Research (Health Informatics)
Instructor, Dept. of Pediatrics 
Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics
Eastern Virginia Medical School 
855 West Brambleton Ave. 
Norfolk, VA 23510 
757-668-6499 
757-668-6475 (fax) 
heislekw@evms.edu