Connecticut to Modernize Child Welfare Systems
CMA, together with our partner, CareDirector, has been selected by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) to develop the Careline Child Protective Services (CPS) Report and Online Reporting functionality in CT-KIND (Kid’s Information Network Database).
CT-KIND will provide a user-friendly, easy to navigate and efficient way to record and access information related to Child Protective Services (CPS) work, as well as a complete data collection tool that will capture reported information, assist in the assessment and decision-making processes, and provide historical retrieval and tracking of outcomes.
Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS)
Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS) have been established by federal rule published by the U.S. Administration for Child and Families (ACF) to guide modernization of child and family services agencies around the country. The CCWIS approach differs from the previous SACWIS (Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information Systems) regulations by proposing a tailored approach geared toward the needs of each agency, rather than the old one-size-fits-all approach.
CCWIS solutions are modular, reusable, and focus on supporting the program needs, rather than forcing an inflexible technological framework onto the agencies.
CMA and CCWIS share a common goal when it comes to Child Welfare. When designing Child Welfare systems, CMA focuses on supporting the program’s process goals by leveraging modern tools and techniques, enabling the program staff to remain focused on driving positive family outcomes.
- Focus on quality care and timely decision support supported by well-maintained information
- Maximize flexibility via modularity of supporting system components
- Maximize program friendly highly customizable workflows and business rules
- Support interoperability through standards-based information exchange protocols
- Reduce operating costs relevant to IT systems and support
An Approved CCWIS Solution
CT DCF has applied for the necessary Child Welfare Waiver Demonstration to establish the authority from ACF to leverage federal funds more flexibly in order to test innovative approaches to child welfare service delivery and financing. Using this option, states can design and demonstrate a wide range of approaches to reforming child welfare and improving outcomes in the areas of safety, permanency, and well-being.
Partners and Technology
CMA will work with CT DCF to implement CareDirector using the Microsoft Dynamics platform. The solution is fully compatible with SQL Reporting Services and the PowerBI Platform. The project will use Scaled Agile methodology (SAFe).
CareDirector is the first and only case management software company to offer an interoperable health and human services solution based on world-leading customer relationship technology from Microsoft. They are a health and human services specialist with over 20 years of international experience across the health and human services sector in the US, Ireland and the UK.
CMA and Child Welfare
CMA has a long track record of serving state Child Welfare Agencies. Child Welfare business processes rely on a strong foundation of person-to-person casework, supported by quality, timely data organized into an instinctive decision support system.
Our user-driven approach supports Child Welfare workers in both their office and field work processes. Our goal is to help our clients ensure the highest degree of service provided to the public. Our approach to Child Welfare projects delivers high value at low risk. Whether a project is large or small, CMA works to promote fast, reliable systems that are secure and easy-to-use.