Grantee/Evaluator: New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS)
Project Period:
Federal Project Officer: K.A. Jagannathan
Internet:kjagannathan@acf.dhhs.gov
Summary: This four-year demonstration project tested the effectiveness of developing a personal computer-based (PC-based) system to record child protective services (CPS) case flow information. The system manages case flow, arranges referrals, evaluates cases and reduces redundancy in paperwork to give DYFS child protective services case managers more time to perform appropriate casework with the families DYFS is legally mandated to serve.
Although the project focussed in the early years on acquiring computer hardware and providing technical training, its overall impract has been to create efficient and facile communication between caseworkers and supervisors, office staff and outside agencies. Case documentation is quicker and caseworkers can spend more time with their clients. Efficient data entry and easy retrieval of case records have led to better supervision and management. Supervisors can now examine case records directly from their PCs, identify problems, assess risks, consult with caseworkers, and redirect case management in a timely manner.
Staff often use the fax feature of the network to transmit information between offices directly from the computer. The East Orange office placed a computer in the Deputy Attorney General's (DAG) office in Essex county to transmit affidavits, court documents and complaints. That computer sharply reduced the time both offices needed to edit and finalize documents. The East Orange office staff also are able to notify the prosecutor about child abuse and neglect cases on a timely basis.
The project enabled the East Orange office to purchase equipment, provide training, and modernize their client intake system well before the state agency-wide adoption of modern technology. Recently, the State received $10 million from HHS as part of the SACWIS development. The State used part of the grant to purchase 2,400 Pentiums for distribution to the staff. As a result, every East Orange office staff member has a Pentium and there is one HP-5 printer per five or six employees, and several laptop computers.
The project has had a positive impact on increasing the knowledge and skill levels of the staff and strengthening their motivation to tap the potential of computer technology for achieving efficiencies at every level of operation. The East Orange office experiment has expanded statewide and all 39 district offices in the State of New Jersey are adopting this system. Connecticut and Wisconsin have inquired about the East Orange system. The DYFS client tracking system has already proven its replication potential both within the State of New Jersey and beyond.
Report availability: For information about obtaining the final report contact the federal project officer.