A Casebook of Computer Applications in the Social and Human Services

Relevant case material in this scholarly new book illustrates the development and application of information technology in the social and human services. International leaders in the field of human service information technology address common experiences and problems in applying information technologies to the social and human services. The case material is accompanied by an analysis of its importance to and impact on the field, as well an explanation of how the combined material forms a dynamic picture of information technology applications in the social and human services today. Specialists, as well as those professionals who have minimal knowledge of information technology, but who are interested in applying information technology to their professional activities, will find this volume readable and easily accessible. A Casebook of Computer Applications in the Social and Human Services is intended to be used as an adjunct to introductory level courses examining social and human service information technology.

Table of Contents:
Contents Introduction Part I: In Support of Service Provision and Delivery Chapter 1: Service Provision and Delivery and Information Technology Chapter 2: Information Manager Introduction Resistance and Power: The Perceived Effect That Computerization Has on a Social Agency's Power Relationships Social Work: New Roles in Computer Information Services Comprehensive Automated System for Client Assistance and Determination of Eligibility Enhancing Equity in Service Delivery to Minority Populations Discussion Points Chapter 3: Helper Introduction Workers, Clients, and Computers The Boysville Experience: Integrating Practice Decision-Making, Program Evaluation, and Management Information Discussion Points Chapter 4: Expert Introduction Artificial Intelligence--An Aide in Child Protective Services Caseload Control Systems First Generation Expert Systems in Social Welfare The Continuum of Care System: Decision Support for Practitioners The Integration of Computerized Applications in a Child Welfare Oversight Agency Part II: In Support of Service Planning and Administration Chapter 5: Information Technology for Service Planning and Administration Chapter 6: Building Expertise Introduction Child-Care Placements: A Knowledge Systems Approach A Micro-Based Decision Support System for Managing Aggressive Case Management Programs for Treatment Resistant Clients Integrated Information Systems for Child Welfare Agencies: Evolution in Two Canadian Case Studies Improving the Quality and Reducing the Cost of Human Services Through On-line Transaction Processing Discussion Points Chapter 7: Management and Resources Introduction Implications of Information Systems for the Distribution of Authority and Decision Making in Human Service Organizations Human Services on Cable: A Case Study of a Data Retrieval System Designed for Public Access Computerization of Human Service Agencies: A Funder's Viewpoint Discussion Points Chapter 8: Tactics for Planning and Development Introduction The Evolution of a Social Work Information System Empowering Human Services Staff Implementing an Information System in a Human Service Organization: Integrating People, Procedures, and Equipment Integrating Technology Into Service Delivery for Persons With Developmental Disabilities: An Interim Report Discussion Points