Curam Software's commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Social Enterprise Management (SEM) solutions are a key component of the multi-phase ACESS initiative. When completed, ACESS will provide DSS with a modern, integrated, and flexible human services software platform to effectively manage clients and cases, unify and expand the delivery of human services, and improve the outcomes and cost effectiveness of its social services programs for children and families.
ACESS is based on an enterprise approach and will provide the foundation for DSS to manage multiple programs in the future, including Child Welfare, Child Care, Strategies to Empower People (STEP), Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP), Food Stamps, and others. As future phases are completed, ACESS will provide deeper and broader functionality across DSS and enable caseworkers to manage the complete client and case lifecycle in a single, integrated system.
The successful completion of this project milestone is consistent with two major DSS goals --a "No Wrong Door" business model and a fully modernized child welfare system. Louisiana's No Wrong Door initiative places the citizen-customer at the center of social services delivery and improves client outcomes by giving citizens access to the full range of social services in a coordinated and seamless manner. A new Statewide Automated Child Welfare System (SACWIS) will enable DSS to achieve the safety, permanency, and well-being goals of its child welfare program through the holistic management of its clients and the services they require.
"ACESS transforms the way Louisiana delivers its social services to its most important clients, children and families," said Duane Fontenot, Director of Information Technology, State of Louisiana, Department of Social Services. "By consolidating the department's programs on a common system, ACESS allows us to focus on the needs of our citizens--empowering a more comprehensive and effective case management system for both the client and agency."
Hurricane Katrina dramatically affected DSS's day-to-day operations. In the aftermath of the hurricane, DSS had to attend to the immediate needs of Louisiana's citizens--children and families who remained in the state and those displaced and in some cases separated across the country. Hurricane Katrina forced a region-wide migration with many Louisianans leaving for neighboring states. However, the exodus from the state did not result in less work; on the contrary, a great number of displaced citizens required benefits, highlighting the need for self service over the web, through call centers, and by other modes of remote assistance.
"Katrina demonstrated the challenges in managing child welfare programs using legacy systems and processes. Families were separated and scattered across not only Louisiana but across the entire US. The Curam platform provides us with the ability to rapidly modernize our child welfare system, improve our processes, and deliver our child and family services whenever or wherever they are needed," said Fontenot.
"The goals of the ACESS project and the experience of Hurricane Katrina highlight the importance of a single-point of entry and integrated benefit delivery. By planning to provide services through multiple secure and synchronized communication channels--in person, on the phone, or via the internet--agencies like DSS not only improve accessibility and customer satisfaction, they become more effective and efficient in managing their clients," said Ernie Connon, President, Curam Software. "We applaud Louisiana for its progressive 'No Wrong Door' philosophy and its commitment to modernizing its child welfare technology platform. Curam Software is proud to work with DSS as it focuses its social services delivery model on citizens, better outcomes, and integrated services."
