New child welfare data system clears first round

Lawmakers advanced a bill from general file Feb. 28 that would require development of a new child welfare data system.

Under LB1160, introduced by the Health and Human Services Committee, the state Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) would be required to develop and implement a web-based, statewide automated information system to integrate child welfare data.

Among the objectives for the new system are access to real-time information and improved reporting, accountability and case review capabilities. The system also would be required to provide automated interfaces for the courts, Medicaid eligibility, financial processes and child support.

The bill also would require the department to obtain an evaluation of the state’s child welfare system by a nationally recognized entity. The department would be required to report to the Legislature regarding the completed evaluation and plans for the new data system by Dec. 1, 2012.

Sen. Kathy Campbell of Lincoln, chairperson of the committee, said the inability to access and analyze data has hindered the state’s ability to make informed policy decisions regarding the child welfare system. The state’s existing data system, N-FOCUS, has not been kept up-to-date by the department’s lead agency partners, she said, because those agencies did not have confidence in the system.

In addition, Campbell said, various components of the child welfare system use different file structures and operating systems and lack rules for consistent data collection.

“There is no standard set of information that is uniformly collected about all children and adolescents served,” she said. “We’re only as good as the data we are given.”

Omaha Sen. Gwen Howard supported the bill, saying the N-FOCUS system is outdated and cumbersome.

Sen. Lavon Heidemann of Elk Creek cautioned senators about the eventual cost of a new data system. While designing a new system is estimated to cost approximately $600,000, he said, the actual cost of implementing the type of system authorized by the bill is unknown.

“This could get expensive,” he said. “These types of systems are not cheap. If you’re going to vote for planning money … you better be willing to back that up.”

Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas supported the bill, saying the state has infused millions of dollars into the child welfare system but is unable to track the results, in part due to the current data system. She said the Legislature needs to make sure that tax dollars are being spent in a cost-effective manner.

“This [bill] is critical to helping us direct the dollars where they need to go,” Dubas said.

A committee amendment added provisions of LB774, originally introduced by Howard, which would require the Health and Human Services Committee to report to the governor, the Legislature and the chief justice on progress made by DHHS toward recommendations contained in the committee’s report on child welfare reform.

Reports would be required for three years, with the first due on Dec. 15, 2012.

Senators adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to select file on votes of 28-0.