Tag Archive for: Indian Child Welfare
https://whiteearth.com/homeYurok Tribe Names RiteTrack as Supporting Piece in Grant Award
The Yurok Tribe was awarded a portion of the FY 2018 Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis grant. This is a grant intended to provide additional support for the youngest members of their community who are affected by the opioid crisis with a program that will use evidence-based and culturally appropriate tactics. In this grant submission they identify their integrated RiteTrack database system as integral to managing data from multiple departments involved in these cases which they will use to create a feedback system for continued assessment. The programs/departments included on this system are:
- Tribal/local superior courts
- Law enforcement
- Indian Child Welfare (ICW) services
- Child protective services (CPS)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- The schools
We are honored to partner with the Yurok Tribe on this initiative to improve the lives of some of their most vulnerable citizens.
Read here for additional information about Yurok’s award and program here.
Packing Up and Moving Your Data
In our age of technology and communication it is common that our customers are adopting RiteTrack after using another data management system, often for a substantial amount of time. One of the largest concerns that we deal with is, “Will we get to keep our data and will it be complete?” At Handel, we understand that historical information is invaluable to spot trends, maintain reporting requirements, and increase interdepartmental communication. That is why we have developed proprietary software to quickly and accurately convert legacy data into RiteTrack.
Our data conversion process starts at the very beginning of our project management process; Handel views data conversions as a key and central part of our software implementations, not as an afterthought. Our trained project managers begin by explicitly mapping out each column in every table in the legacy database and define a place for it to go in the new RiteTrack system. This process takes place alongside the creation of the system design so that the mapping is completed before we start developing the system in order to make certain that no crucial data is left behind. During this process your project manager will highlight areas where the legacy data may not be clean or accurate so that no dirty information finds its way into the new system.
While on the initial site visit, your project manager will sit down with you and your staff to walk through your legacy system to gain a full understanding of its functionality, how your staff uses it, and any potential difficulties that may arise in the conversion process. Since every system is different we make sure to take the time to get to know it. This practice gets to the core of how Handel does business; each project and each customer is unique and we dedicate ourselves to forming a relationship based upon communication, transparency, and honesty.
Once a conversion map has been completed and approved, the data will begin the process of being moved into RiteTrack. Our skilled developers have built software to assist us in the conversion process. Using this single core technology reduces errors, speeds up the conversion process, and lowers cost. Our data conversion experts work side-by-side with our project managers throughout the entire project to make sure that this process is as streamlined as possible.
Much like our software development, our data conversion process involves multiple rounds of testing and validating to make sure that the end product is exactly what it should be. You and your staff will be able to see and test the converted data in a sandbox version of RiteTrack, this will even include any custom fields that have been added. For larger systems this is often done in phases to ensure that nothing is missed in the sheer volume of information we work with.
Handel’s Conversion Process (Click to Enlarge)
We have utilized this process on databases of all sizes, from a few thousand rows of data up to millions of rows. To gain a more complete understanding of how our data conversions fit into the entire software implementation process please read Problem Solved: A Story of Vanquishing Risk and Complexity.
Finally, when the entire data conversion has been tested and approved, Handel will pull a final and current copy of the legacy database for conversion. This information will be what eventually comprises your initial RiteTrack system. At the end of this process your users will have a new, friendly, and easy-to-use software solution complete with all of the data that has been tirelessly entered by users in the legacy system.
This simple, yet powerful, methodology, when paired with our proprietary software, takes the often frustrating and error-prone process of converting data and turns it into an efficient and organized procedure. What is more, our data conversions are fully supported just like our software. If there is an issue found after RiteTrack has gone live our data conversion experts will rectify the error, often with zero downtime for users. Our philosophy for data conversions is the same as it is for building software; we center everything on our clients and their needs in our pursuit for the best product possible.
White Earth Nation WE CARE system of care model run on RiteTrack
Since 2013 White Earth Nation has transferred human service cases for tribal members and their families from delivery by Minnesota counties. In order to provide the best services the Tribe developed the White Earth Coordination, Assessment, Resource and Education (WE CARE) case management model. This system of care model is a client-focused, client-driven model that requires client input and involvement. WE CARE focuses on program collaboration and communication to develop and execute an interdisciplinary plan based on the goals that the client wants to work on. WE CARE utilizes RiteTrack to enable assessment, collaboration, plan development, and outcome tracking.
White Earth Coordination, Assessment, Resource and Education (WE CARE) is a coordinated and holistic case management approach seeking to assure the long-term well-being of children, families and communities. WE CARE’s goals are to
- decrease duplication while increasing access to services
- increase client referrals
- enhance access to resources for clients
- increase communication and coordination between tribal programs through innovative technology
A primary goal of WE CARE is for services to be client-driven, and success is defined by the client as well.
White Earth Nation recognized that while there were services available to clients, the administration of these services was often ineffective and inefficient. Programs did not communicate and services were not prioritized. Clients could be left feeling confused and overwhelmed, and while a program may claim “success,” the client did not feel successful. The WE CARE model seeks to enhance collaboration between tribal programs, non-tribal programs, community and family in order to address the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional needs of clients. WE CARE relies on client input to direct outcomes, define goals , and determine how success will be defined. The WE CARE Plan, developed with the client, may include services from Child Protection, Child Care/Early Childhood, Head Start, Employment, Education, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and more.
WE CARE leverages RiteTrack in order to enable collaboration, communication and outcome reporting for this interdisciplinary approach. The process begins with the client signing a Universal Release giving permission allowing data entry of a Universal Intake form into the database system. The Universal Intake is completed in RiteTrack and automatic notifications are sent to programs which are identified as applicable to the needs of the client. These are delivered via secure email with a live link to the record in RiteTrack. Identified programs then individually call the client to offer services, which the client can accept or deny. Any program whose services the client accepts will become a part of the WE CARE team for that client. All team members sign a Legal Confidentiality Form defining responsibilities for sharing information about the client and plan. The WE CARE team and client then develop a WE CARE plan based upon the needs identified in the Universal Intake Form. This WE CARE plan is defined in RiteTrack and includes detailed views of goals, strategies, staff assistance, notes and assigned programs. The WE CARE plan is printed and shared with the client for review and sign-off on the goals and empowerment strategies developed. The plan is updated in RiteTrack throughout service provision and outcomes are tracked. Information reported from the system is then used for federal and state grants as well as communication of outcomes to Tribal Council and the community.
The WE CARE model was developed by a specially chosen development team that created the process and model. Included in this development was the creation of a Universal Intake form, confidentiality form, and WE CARE plan. Additionally, an educational curriculum for staff regarding WE CARE was created to ensure the model was understood and administered effectively. The development team proposed recommendations for the WE CARE Advisory Board, an entity that works to support the program for both staff and clients. Then a public relations campaign was initiated to inform the White Earth Nation about WE CARE and the services it offered. Because of comprehensive and thoughtful planning, the WE CARE model was given the best chance for a successful implementation.
A WE CARE Advisory Board was established based on the Development Team’s recommendations to support and strengthen case management teams. The Advisory Board is comprised of division managers, not WE CARE team staff, and represents WE CARE on several fronts. It acts as a liaison with WE CARE clients and other constituents using this communication to monitor and strengthen services provided.It also provides feedback to Tribal Council and ensure adequate financial resources to support the program.
Through thoughtful, interdisciplinary planning, careful execution and comprehensive support, the WE CARE program has become an exceptional model for comprehensive service delivery to children and families in Indian Country. The WE CARE model uses best practices and collaboration between programs and clients to ensure the best outcomes. The program has developed innovative ways of utilizing technology to enhance collaboration, communication and reporting and to safeguard funding while providing sustainability for the program.
Jennifer Stevens, RN, PHN, White Earth Nation Home Health Agency Manager and Casey Bader, Vice President at Handel IT, will be presenting on the WE CARE model at the upcoming NICWA Conference, April 19 – 22, in Portland, OR.
Tachi Yokut Tribal Social Service Department Implements CPS/ICW RiteTrack Module Creating Its Own Integrated Solution
The Tribal Social Services Department (TSSD) of the Santa Rosa Rancheria Tachi Yokut Tribe implemented another RiteTrack module which will manage Child Protective Services and Indian Child Welfare in late 2014. This is the second module in the Tribe’s integrated solution and stores member information centrally and is updated consistently from the Enrollment Department or TSSD. The Tribe began with the Enrollment module in 2012. RiteTrack allows tribes to consolidate data and remove the barriers of data silos and stores information in a single database system.
TSSD is an all-encompassing social service provider which focuses on serving tribal members, residents, lineal descendants, and other documented Natives.
Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Goes Live on RiteTrack Tribal TANF Solution
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Tribal TANF department went live on its new RiteTrack system in January 2015. RiteTrack was customized for the unique eligibility requirements of the Pechanga TANF program. With the TANF department live on RiteTrack, a second phase slated to implement the Child Protective Services and Indian Child Welfare Module will begin later this year.
The Pechanga TANF Program assists low income families moving toward self-sufficiency by providing cash aid and other assistance designed to increase job preparation, employment, and allow children to be cared for in their own homes.