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Assessing Mobile Technologies in Child Protective Services



Executive Summary

Deploying Mobile Technology

Laptop procurement and deployment for the test period illustrated the complex and challenging nature of enabling mobile technology for CPS work. In order to put the laptops into use, it was necessary to coordinate a diverse mix of activities: hardware and software procurement, device configuring, linking multiple networks across organizations to provide wireless connectivity, preparing training, resolving work practice and policy issues, and resolving a long list of technical problems characteristic of ramp-up processes. Most of the coordination and implementation issues were resolved during the test period, such that the basic functionality of the laptops could be employed in the field. Remaining issues include lack of full wireless access in court facilities and considerable variation in the strength of the wireless signal in some areas, leading to less reliable connection. In addition, some issues concerning policies and supervisory practices for work outside normal hours and locations remain unresolved. Overall, however, the collaboration and lessons learned during the deployment provide a solid foundation for further refinement of practices and policies to exploit the potential of the technology.