The first data collection period collected data from a pre and post online survey, telephone interviews, and data extracted from CONNECTIONS. For a full description of the methods used please reference: http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/reports/assessing_mobile_demo. Click on “Wayne County” and see Appendix A.

The second data collection period used two types: videoconferences with a sample of caseworkers and supervisors, and data extracted from CONNECTIONS. Two video conferences were held with caseworkers and supervisors on August 27, 2008. Seven caseworkers and seven supervisors from both Manhattan and Staten Island participated. All participants were given sample questions prior to the videoconference focusing on: use, location, changes in work, integration into work like, satisfaction, perceptions of timeliness, and value to clients.

The CONNECTIONS data were pulled by the date a progress note was entered by participants during two timeframes—the pre-test and test periods. These timeframes were equal in duration. A total of 30,972 progress note entries and 1,650 unique investigation stages made up the dataset from 14 CPS caseworkers (see Appendix E for more information).