Information Technology

Technology Supports for Child Welfare Practice

This page includes information on how technology can be used to improve child welfare practice. Here you will find resources detailing specific ways technology can be used to streamline, share, and secure information used in child welfare practice. In addition, you can find policy and guidelines for IT systems as well as websites that offer software and support for non-profit agencies.

Child Welfare Document Imaging and Storage Project

DCF is exploring creation and storage of electronic documents in the context of child welfare. The resources listed below are related to this project, and remain under development.
If you are interested in more information about the project, contact Bill_Bucher@dcf.state.fl.us

FSFN Interface for Document Imaging and Record Storage (memo)

February 18, 2009, memo outlining the document imaging initiative

General Counsel Opinion: Issues related to storing records electronically

September 9, 2008, providing legal analysis on issue of document imaging and storage

General Counsel Opinion (email)

Cover email for 9-9-08 General Counsel memo

Survey of Current Document Retention Needs and Practices

Report from DCF (June 2008) detailing the FTE, cost, and space necessary the meet the demands of document storage under the current DCF practices.

Local Practices for Imaging and Storage

ASK Training Guide (V-5)

Training Guide for Miami-Dade Our Kids 'Agency Secure Knowledge', a local application to scan, store, and retrieve case documents.

ASK - Current Document Types (May 09)

Listing of Document Types currently stored in the Our Kids ASK system

DCF and Information Technology

CF Operating Procedure 50-2: Security of Data and Information Technology Resources (7/07)

This operating procedure applies to all IT resources used to support or implement the mission of this department & any other automated data processing systems in our custody whether owned, purchased, contracted from/or to, or leased by the department.

Community-Based Care Information System Requirements (7/07)

Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code and departmental standards and procedures, require the provider to exercise due diligence to ensure and maintain the accuracy, timeliness, and appropriate levels of security of information entered into, or retrieved from, these systems (FSFN,SACWIS, ICWSIS, AES and Vital Statistics.

General Resources

Better Organization through Document Management Systems (6/07)

Document management systems can provide invaluable document searching, versioning, comparison, and collaboration features.

Most States are Developing Statewide Information Systems (6/03)

This GAO report reviews (1) states’ experiences in developing child welfare information systems (2) factors that affect the reliability of data that states collect and report on children served by their child welfare agencies (3) practices that child welfare agencies use to overcome challenges associated with SACWIS development and data reliability.

Reduce Tech-Support Requests with Cheat Sheets

Link to article on TechSoup.com on creating cheat sheets to address common tech questions and reduce user errors.

Google Grants

Link to Google for information on their program to provide free advertising space to non-profits

National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology

Link to NRCCWDT, as service of the Children's Bureau, for resources and technical assistance. Their mission is to assist State and local agencies and the courts to improve outcomes for children and families through the use of data and information technology.

Web Resources

IdealWare

Provides reviews, information, and webinars about software used by non-profits

Non Profit Technology Network

Link to NTEN, the membership organization for non-profit technology experts

Tech Soup

The Technology Place for Non-Profits' offers information and solutions as well as reduced price or free software and downloads

What is?

From TechTarget.com, the site offers a learning center, free product demos