Caseworkers use real-time technology to keep, maintain tamper-proof records of foster children.
Governor Charlie Crist today announced that caseworkers statewide responsible for children in foster care have begun using mobile computing devices, such as smartphones, digital cameras and laptops, to immediately record information on the safety and well-being of children in state care.
Florida is the first state in the country to use technology that allows over 2,300 caseworkers to take digital photos stamped with date, time and Global Positioning System (GPS)-marked location of the more than 18,500 children in foster care.
“Applying mobile computing to the critical work of caseworkers responsible for children in foster care is a ground-breaking achievement,” Governor Crist said. “We now are able to instantly record and upload information throughout our state on our most vulnerable children. I am proud that Florida continues to be a leader in foster care reform.”
Governor Crist first highlighted the mobile computing devices for caseworkers responsible for children in foster care during his 2008 State of the State Address. Less than two years later, Florida is the first state in the country to introduce this technology and use it in the field of child welfare.
Florida is the only state in which caseworkers can immediately upload information from their site visit directly into the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) database from the field in real-time. GPS stamped photos taken on site add an additional layer of integrity by ensuring every child is visited and their condition accurately documented.
The devices ensure accountability on the part of each caseworker. While the vast majority of caseworkers are diligent in their required site visits and record-keeping, some caseworkers have missed visits and made inaccurate recordings of visits. This advanced technology enables caseworkers to perform all their duties in the field, allowing for more time to be spent with children in foster care and less time doing paperwork.
Previously, caseworkers had to drive back and forth from site visits to an office in order to access and upload information in the state’s child welfare data system. Under state law, children in foster care must be visited by a caseworker at least once every 30 days.
“Our goal is for the caseworker to spend more time with the child and less time doing paperwork,” said DCF Secretary George H. Sheldon. “Caseworkers with mobile computing devices have more time to give children the attention and services they need to have a sense of normalcy and safety in their lives.”
In only six months, DCF procured and rolled out devices, developed the state’s mobile computing platform, and provided necessary training. The mobile computing solution software was developed in-house by DCF, at no additional cost to taxpayers. DCF has partnered with community based care agencies to guarantee successful implementation. The technology is also tamper-proof and adaptable, making it compatible on various smartphones, cameras and laptops.
Should DCF mobile computing devices be lost or stolen, the information contained in them is securely encrypted and cannot be accessed by any unauthorized user.
The Governor also praised Florida’s record-breaking 3,777 adoptions last year through Florida’s public adoption system during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009.
This record follows the previous year’s record of 3,674 in 2007-08, up from 3,079 in 2006-07. Additionally, during the 2008-09 fiscal year, Florida saw the fewest children entering foster care since 2003.
As of February 14, 2010, there were 18,561 children in out-of-home care, down 36.5 percent (10,694 children) from 29,255 children in December 2006.
