In the first data collection period, survey respondents reported a high level of satisfaction. The survey data showed that all questioned respondents reported being “Somewhat satisfied” or “Very satisfied” with the use of the laptops in CPS work. While no surveys were administered in the second data collection period, caseworkers in the videoconference reported similar and consistent sentiments regarding their overall satisfaction with the laptops.

Despite the high levels of satisfaction reported in both data collection periods, caseworkers reported issues during the second data collection period that they hoped would have been addressed by then. For example, one of the interviewed caseworkers mentioned having used the laptop from a public library; however, at a later time, the caseworker was told to no longer use the laptop at that location- or any other location in the field. Many caseworkers expressed that they had hoped policies would change, but since the laptops were deployed, there has not been consistent changes in policy regarding use of laptops in the field or from home.

Additionally, caseworkers indicated that management approves compensation for using the laptop after normal work hours only under certain circumstances—such as being substantially behind on progress notes but only as long as they are in the office when using the laptop (which is opposite of the intended purpose of having laptops). Moreover, caseworkers cannot get compensation for time spent on the laptop in the field or at home after normal work hours. Caseworkers feel this contradicts the purpose of the laptop, which is to increase work opportunities outside the office. Caseworkers continue to be compensated for working at home during on-call duty, and when visiting their clients in the field after normal working hours.

During the second data collection period, caseworkers reported several incentives associated with laptop use, including a desire of self satisfaction and a need to reduce work-related stress. Despite not being compensated, virtually all caseworkers reported self satisfaction and the desire to keep up on their progress notes as the main drivers behind using the laptops from home. Furthermore, caseworkers reported high satisfaction during on-call duty as it allowed them to access in-depth case information relatively quickly and without having to take extensive hand-written notes from the Statewide Central Registry (the state’s child abuse hotline).

Finally, almost all caseworkers interviewed expressed the desire and need for county-issued cellular telephones and stated they were a necessity of their job.