Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) Receives ISM 2018 Award For Mobile Solution
Agency Recognized for Excellence in Human Services IT
– Best Use of Technology for Operations
Seattle, Wash., Sept. 17, 2018
Diona, a global provider of enterprise mobility software for government Health and Human Services agencies, congratulates The Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) for receiving the 2018 ISM Award for Best Use of Technology for Operations. Presented by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) and IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM), the award recognizes Excellence in Human Services Information Technology for the innovative use of technology to enhance and improve the internal productivity and/or efficiencies of the human services organization or program. DCS’ solution, Guardian Mobile, utilizes mobile devices so that 1,400 caseworkers can now receive and deliver real-time data—anywhere, anytime, whether online or offline—through a government-cloud-based mobile solution that is secure, scalable, and reliable.
DCS had been operating on a legacy Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS) which limited caseworker efficiency and productivity in engaging with children and families. Using the Diona solutions Diona Visits and Diona Investigations, DCS implemented mobile technology innovations into its case management system to extend its capabilities and reduce its reliance on paper files.
Mobile-first Innovations Are Game-Changer for Child Welfare
DCS took an innovative approach to digital transformation by deploying a modular, mobile-first strategy to implementing the new Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) requirements. By enabling DCS caseworkers to adopt transformative mobile technology into their practice today, workers now can engage more productively with children and families in the field, paper-based processes are obsolete, and client data is stored securely and privately.
“Linda Jewell, CIO, and Shalom Jacobs, Deputy Director of Field Operations, are part of a visionary leadership team at Arizona DCS who saw the potential to bring game-changing technology to Child Welfare,” said Graham Stubbs, CEO, Diona. “We are thrilled they’ve been recognized with the ISM Award—and are honored to have supported them in transforming how they serve children and families.” Thanks to its innovative strategy, DCS is projected to save $18.7 million annually in departmental costs and has:
● Boosted field access to its information system to 100 percent
● Improved caseworker efficiency by 20 percent
● Increased caseworker time spent with children and families
● Enhanced service quality and case outcomes
● Improved the quality of all data collected
● Deployed the solution in only 8 months
The ISM 2018 Awards: Excellence in Human Services Technology
The 51st Annual IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Conference took place September 16 – 19, 2018 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, WA. Award winners were announced during the Awards of Excellence Luncheon on Monday, September 17.
About the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS)
The Arizona Department of Child Safety is dedicated to the vision that “Children thrive in family environments free from abuse and neglect.” As highly motivated and caring public servants, the DCS team is committed to fulfilling this mission with excellence, providing safety and well-being for the most vulnerable population in Arizona - our children. DCS caseworkers have the strength, sensitivity, passion, and empathy to restore hope to children and families. Learn more about DCS’ Compassioneers. If you suspect child abuse, call 888-SOS-CHILD.
About APHSA
The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA) is a bipartisan, nonprofit membership organization representing state and local human service agencies through their top-level leadership. Through our member network and three national Collaborative Centers, APHSA seeks to influence modern policies and practices that support the health and well-being of all children and families and that lead to stronger communities. APHSA connects its members to national policymakers and human-serving organizations across a wide circle of stakeholders in the health and human services sector, as well as key partners in education, housing, employment and others. APHSA also helps members build more capacity for their teams through access to our professional education and development conferences, technical expertise, publications and our Organizational Effectiveness practice. To learn more about APHSA please visit www.aphsa.org.
About ISM
IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) is an association of Health and Human Services (HHS) information technology professionals representing federal, state, and local governments from the U.S., its Territories, Canada, other countries, and the private sector. We promote solutions that support the mission and vision of HHS programs. ISM advocates on behalf of state and local Health and Human Services entities to federal agencies for improvements in policies, processes, and procedures. We promote best practices in Information Technology by sharing innovative solutions, connecting IT professionals, and collaborating with our private sector partners.