Antiquated IT Systems in Vermont’s Child Welfare Agency Put Children at Risk
Outdated information technology systems in Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF) are jeopardizing the safety and well-being of children in the state's foster system, according to advocates and officials. The primary system, called SSMIS, was created in the early 1980s and is used to track information about minors in state custody. A secondary system, FSDNet, handles child abuse reporting intake and case notes. These antiquated systems make it difficult to access accurate and complete information about children, leading to potential risks and mistakes. Efforts are underway to replace the IT infrastructure, but upgrades will take time and funding.
Outdated IT Systems Jeopardize Safety of Children
Advocates and officials are raising concerns about the outdated information technology systems in Vermont's Department for Children and Families (DCF), which are putting the safety and well-being of children at risk. The primary system, SSMIS, was created in the early 1980s to track information about minors in state custody, while a secondary system, FSDNet, handles child abuse reporting intake and case notes. These systems are outdated and have limited functionality, making it difficult to access accurate and complete information about children in the foster system.
The inadequate IT systems in the DCF have led to instances where crucial information, such as allergies and dietary restrictions, is not accurately recorded or shared with foster parents. This lack of reliable information can lead to serious health risks for children, as seen in cases where a child had allergies that were not documented in the system. The obsolete databases and outdated technology pose a significant challenge in effectively managing and ensuring the well-being of children in state custody.
Inefficiencies and Risk of Human Error
As a workaround for the limitations of the outdated IT systems, state workers and administrators rely on a cumbersome combination of supplemental databases, personal memories, and Excel spreadsheets. This type of fragmented and manual approach to data entry is time-consuming and prone to human error. Foster care workers and advocates emphasize the importance of accurate and accessible information to make informed decisions about the well-being and safety of children.
The outdated systems also hinder the ability to measure and address issues within the foster care system. Researchers have pointed out the inadequacy of the data systems in terms of tracking child safety, permanency, and well-being. Without reliable data and reporting tools, it becomes challenging to identify and address systemic problems within the child welfare system. A lack of accurate and accessible information jeopardizes the ability to effectively measure progress and make informed policy decisions.
Efforts to Upgrade IT Systems
Recognizing the urgent need for an upgrade, Vermont's Department for Children and Families is in the process of finalizing a request for proposals to build a new IT system. The current estimate for the cost of the project is between $35 and $40 million, although the final figure will be determined once the proposals are received. The federal government is expected to cover half of the cost, and proponents of the new system argue that the upfront investment will pay off in the long run.
However, even with funding secured, it will take years to implement the new IT system. The state will have to rely on the existing outdated systems in the meantime. This delay raises concerns about the continued risks and inefficiencies faced by state workers and families involved in the foster care system. Advocates stress the urgency of prioritizing the upgrade to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children in Vermont's custody.
