Technology can help protect Montana's foster kids

It is widely recognized that we have a child safety crisis in the state of Montana. Since 2008, there has been a 60 percent increase in child abuse and neglect cases. Drugs, untreated mental illness, and domestic violence have all been cited as contributors to this alarming trend.

Montana will never be able to address these tragedies, however, without ensuring that child welfare caseworkers have the tools necessary to do their difficult jobs. These hard-working men and women are charged with stepping in to protect the 2,400 vulnerable children currently served by the Montana child welfare system and must have access to modern technology tools that will help them make better, more evidence-based decisions.

Right now, there is a real opportunity to protect children in danger because members of the legislature and the governor are already taking a serious look at our child welfare system. One idea that should be pursued is putting modern technologies in the hands of caseworkers.

The systems that caseworkers use now do not match the technology most of us are using in our business and social lives. The screens that caseworkers interact with are daunting and outdated, and it is difficult for them to navigate the system to find information or enter new information.

These systems are not data-driven. Data provided can be months old and deprive caseworkers and administrators of the ability to spot trends and patterns that would enable them to make informed decisions about the welfare of the children they serve — and thereby to help those children succeed in life.

The state Department of Public Health and Human Services has made positive strides in retaining caseworkers, but we shouldn’t stop there. How long can we expect someone to stay in a difficult job if we’re not willing to make the work experience better? In business, investments are made in technology to increase efficiency, productivity and competiveness. Why shouldn’t caseworkers be similarly supported?

The lack of effective technology has profound consequences for agencies and the families they serve. Caseworkers spend too much time on paperwork rather than with families. And, there’s little doubt that frustration with dated technology is partly to blame for the turnover rates of Montana’s caseworkers.

The good news is that modern technology products can help address these challenges — and that DPHHS wants to see that happen, too. New Web-based case management tools combine social networking design with data-driven analytics.  Staff at DPHHS estimate these new products could reduce administration time by 20 percent, allowing caseworkers to spend more time with children. The systems are easy for caseworkers to learn and use, and can be updated quickly and easily. Additionally, these case management tools run on all mobile devices, thereby enabling caseworkers to work anywhere. The result is an enhanced work experience and, ultimately, better results for vulnerable children.

The need for this type of technology is clear. It is critical that we look for opportunities to improve the technology our state uses to protect vulnerable children. Montana’s foster kids are in dire need of assistance. Updated technology for caseworkers is the logical first step toward helping them. This should be a cause we can all get behind.

Sen. Roger Webb, R-Billings, represents Senate District 23.