RE: Use of technology in the child welfare system

[MLCorreia@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

I previously posted this off list...

In NH, we use data from our SACWIS data extensively for monthly program
supervision, case reviews, program development, policy and planning,
etc...  in that sense, it has had a tremendous impact on our ability to
monitor practice from our State Office.  The key for us is the availability
of  in-house analysts who are knowledgeable about case practice but have
the technical skill to run "ad hoc" queries from the database.  We also
found early on that some basic excel training was a necessity if we wanted
field staff and supervisors to work with detailed reports.

Additionally, we have cooperated with the University of NH on several
projects that used SACWIS data along with supplemental data from
interviews.

Finally, we have recently subscribed to the Chapin Hall data center to
assist with some "on demand" outcome measures as well as our continued work
with longitudinal files.

While there may not be a tremendous volume of peer reviewed research, I
would argue that the changes within state agencies - specifically the
sophistication and use of data to manage practice and inform policy - have
been substantial.

Let me know if you have any questions or would like more information on how
our agency has grown to embrace SACWIS data :-)

-Melissa Correia
NH DCYF
Bureau of Quality Improvement





"Moore, Terry D" <terrym@ku.edu>@list.cornell.edu on 03/21/2007 01:09:13 PM

Please respond to "Child Maltreatment Researchers  "
       <child-maltreatment-research-l@list.cornell.edu>

Sent by:    bounce-1241417-6834018@list.cornell.edu


To:    "Child Maltreatment Researchers  "
       <child-maltreatment-research-l@list.cornell.edu>
cc:

Subject:    RE: Use of technology in the child welfare system


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