National Summary |
Implementation Projects |
Technology
Numerous states have used court improvement funds to develop, improve, and use case tracking and management systems.
Florida is developing the Florida Dependency Court Information System (FDCIS). The Data and Technology Team is customizing FDCIS to meet the needs of its users with a web interface for viewing case data and for identifying performance issues on a case-by-case basis. The system will pull data from the Florida County Clerks’ Information System (CCIS), with future plans to pull data from the Florida SACWIS system, the Florida Juvenile Justice System, and other sources.
Minnesota is replacing the existing Trial Court Information System (TCIS) with the new Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS). Using state-of-the-art software, MNCIS is rebuilding the court’s outdated information databases to be person-based, statewide, and able to exchange information with other justice agencies. MNCIS includes data regarding all juvenile protection cases filed in the state. The Children’s Justice Initiative (CJI) staff and MNCIS staff reviewed existing statutory and rule requirements for processing child protection cases and identified proposed improvements. MNCIS provides options for each county court administrator to print case management reports related to various case types, including child protection cases. CJI staff developed an instructional brochure [MN-07-02] that explains where the juvenile protection case management reports are located and how to use the reports to review and correct data.
Other states reporting the development or improvement of case tracking and management systems include Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisana, Maryland, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming.
Technology
Several jurisdictions have purchased equipment necessary to implement new technology. Arkansas provided technology to attorneys ad litem so that they can access their email or make phone calls while they are in the field or between court hearings. Connecticut is using CIP funds to provide new computers and printers to various Juvenile Matters locations, with an emphasis placed on providing court staff with access to online and web-based applications used for scheduling, docketing, production of orders, and case management. Tennessee has purchased new equipment and basic office administration software.
Technology
As the result of additional funds from the CIP Data Collection and Analysis Grant, many states have developed or improved systems that collect data, track compliance with timelines, incorporate performance measures, and evaluate progress. These states include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Technology
Several states are using or considering the use of Internet-based systems to operate case management systems or provide other web-based services, including Arkansas, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Virginia.
New Mexico is developing a web-based application for judges, entitled “Judge’s Notes,” to collect and provide new information about each hearing. This tool can request and store new information, retrieve information about the case from the case file, and provide reminders to judges regarding actions that should be taken at the hearing. This application will become a component of, and foundation for, a new child abuse and neglect module in the case tracking system recently purchased by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Some states are using grant funds to develop or improve e-filing systems, including Alabama and Kentucky.
Many states have developed websites to provide information to interested parties and the public regarding court improvement activities. Relevant website addresses are contained within each state summary.
Technology
Several states have connected or are working to connect the court and child welfare agency’s data management systems, or are looking at other ways to share information. These states include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Colorado designed the Family Justice Information System (FAMJIS) Program, which is an information management system that allows for the real time exchange of child welfare data between the Colorado Judicial Department and the Colorado Department of Human Services. Through FAMJIS, outcome-based management reports and case management tools have been designed to improve the handling of child welfare cases.
As reported in prior Court Improvement Progress Reports, the Georgia CIP has supported the Case Plan Reporting System for many years. The CIP is now working with the Division of Family and Children’s Services to develop a pilot where all case plan functionality is rolled into the agency’s SACWIS system. Case plans will be shared with the courts on a local level. The pilot started in September 2007.
Louisana selected courts to participate as pilot sites to facilitate data exchange. Seven courts signed a Statement of Commitment asserting they would use or interface with the Integrated Juvenile Justice Information System (IJJIS) for improved data collection and case management. These courts also agreed to participate in process quality improvement initiatives. The pilot sites will focus on the nine nationally recommended core performance measures.
Nevada initiated, with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), the National Child Welfare Data Exchange Project. The goal of the project is the development of national child welfare data exchange standards. Five additional states agreed to participate in the project, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Texas. Meetings have been held to discuss goals, objectives, roles, and outcomes.
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