Tag Archive for: Child Protective Services
Analyzing and Reporting on Tribal Program Data
If you didn’t have a chance to catch the webcast live, you can register to view a recording here.
In today’s world we have more data available to than ever before. Yet, few organizations truly understand how to harness this data and turn it into information and knowledge. During this webcast, we will define and explore how data analytics transforms data into meaningful information. We will also examine how Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) can be applied to inform and improve services for families and children.
We examined the increase in the amount of data being stored over the last decades and the trajectory of the rise of data in our lives today. Even with data all around us it may not be collected accurately or in a consistent manner. Analytics and CQI depend upon quality data, and it is essential that leadership supports the collection and use of data with a sense of purpose and a vision of goals and benchmarks to measure. We will discuss reporting and information systems which may be used to collect data, as well as other sources of information available from Federal and State governments.
So how can Tribes make use of this practical information?
Using analytics changes this abundance of data into digestible information that can be used for many meaningful purposes. Comparative spreadsheets with raw data are one of the simplest ways of modeling data. Taking raw data and creating charts and graphs to provide useful visual methods of viewing and analyzing data and can be achieved with commonly used programs.
During this part of the process is where you create descriptive information using the data, then predictive intelligence, which leads to prescriptive knowledge that can be used to inform decisions and changes to improve services and outcomes. The philosophy of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) can be used to both ensure that data is accurately and consistently collected and as a method to analyze and react to the data. We will review in detail the cycle of CQI.
Register to watch here and email or call us with any questions.
Embracing Technology in the Juvenile Justice Field
Many organizations and those working in them feel anxious when starting to evaluate or implement a technology project. This anxiety may center around implementing the new technology and ensuring that the day-to-day users will accept and use the technology. Technology should be selected and implemented to ultimately help improve services and efficiency for the organization.
I hosted a webinar during which I examined common issues that arise when implementing new technology and pointed out four main aspects that every organization should address when trying to help users or organizations embrace technology. It’s an important topic to evaluate when considering a new system.
The webinar provided valuable information that administrators can use to help alleviate any resistance they face. One of the most important points to remember is to involve the users, line staff, data entry specialists, or other integral parties in the implementation process. If administrators can get the staff to buy in and embrace the new technology, then the likelihood of a successful implementation and a positive experience is higher.
I am reminded of a saying “junk in will equal junk out.” Meaning if staff are not entering information into the system as it is designed, then the outcomes will not be what is expected. During the webcast, I provided practical steps every agency can use to overcome resistance to embracing technology and highlighted the benefits of incorporating technology into operations.
Please view the recorded webinar here to learn some practical steps and points that will assist you in embracing and successfully implementing technology in your organization.
Tachi Yokut Tribal Social Service Department Implements CPS/ICW RiteTrack Module Creating Its Own Integrated Solution
The Tribal Social Services Department (TSSD) of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe implemented another RiteTrack module which will manage Child Protective Services and Indian Child Welfare in late 2014. This is the second module in the Tribe’s integrated solution and stores member information centrally and is updated consistently from the Enrollment Department or TSSD. The Tribe began with the Enrollment module in 2012. RiteTrack allows tribes to consolidate data and remove the barriers of data silos and stores information in a single database system.
TSSD is an all-encompassing social service provider which focuses on serving tribal members, residents, lineal descendants, and other documented Natives.
Puyallup Tribe procures RiteTrack for Community and Family Services, Domestic Violence Programs
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians has partnered with Handel to implement the RiteTrack Child Protective Services/Indian Child Welfare and Financial Services Modules. Project planning has begun with the Community and Family Services Department with an initial site visit being scheduled for early 2015.
Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi-Yokut Tribe adds Child Protective Services/Indian Child Welfare Module
Handel Information Technologies began working with the Tachi-Yokut Tribe in 2012 when RiteTrack was deployed for the Enrollment Department. This implementation will now become an integrated solution as the CPS/ICW Module is deployed for the Tribal Social Services Department. We look forward to RiteTrack becoming an essential tool for the important work done by Tachi-Yokut Social Services staff.
Arkansas Division of Youth Services
The State of Arkansas Division of Youth Services (DYS) is using RiteTrack statewide throughout its operations and to manage a network of its service providers throughout the state. This is a multi-agency deployment of RiteTrack where DYS and its service providers around the state connect into RiteTrack over the internet to enter service, placement, transport and billing data. RiteTrack data resides centrally in DYS’ central office, but via the internet, providers can access from different locations around the state. DYS staff uses RiteTrack primarily to track billing related to its eight service providers, as well as to track the placement of the children it helps. RiteTrack also helps DYS with its incident investigations/reports, interstate travel compacts and more. In addition to the multitude of functionality, much of which was custom built for DYS, part of this project also entailed a significant amount of data conversion from DYS’ prior Juvenile Tracking System into RiteTrack.