Over the past two years, New York State has invested two million dollars on mobile technology devices for child protective services. Spreading the resources throughout the state, caseworkers in over 23 LDSS now use laptops and tablets to enter and access information directly into the state’s child welfare system on a regular basis. Although this large investment has seen payoffs, conflicting policies and management practices are slowing efforts to truly maximize this important investment.

In a complex environment such as NYS social services, a statewide technology deployment is very challenging. Local districts are state supervised but administered locally so the probability of making change immediately is low but also not recommended. Incremental change where feedback informs subsequent phases is preferred and is exactly what OCFS is doing. Thus, NYS’s Mobile Technology Pilot Program has moved through a natural progression of stages in uncovering and addressing issues in order to make the most of laptop use. Slowly, LDSS are sharing information with other LDSS about supportive policies and practices. With a strong steady pace, OCFS can continue to make modifications along the way to bring about positive cultural changes and reduce barriers.