Data has become an essential tool in today’s world. Data is driving the decisions and changing practices in successful enterprises, from tech giants to multinationals and the healthcare industry.
The social service sector, which may have been slower to accept technology in the past, is also witnessing the need for better data collection in their casework. Finding the most effective method for gathering and managing data in daily social work, however, is a challenge for many case managers and non-profit stakeholders. They are conscious of the necessity and significance of data. The majority of human service businesses, though, remain dubious about the benefits of using digital case management to organize and process their data for reporting.
For such doubtful case managers and social service providers who want to make a real difference in the communities they serve, here's a detailed article that not only highlights individual agency needs for better data but also takes a larger picture look at the challenges that agencies can overcome by leveraging the power of big data.
Data and Social Work
The world is producing 328.77 quintillions of data every day. This is an incomprehensible amount of data that’s just generated through IoT devices and social media around the world.
Social services in the US are also capable of generating a humongous amount of data from their vast client base and community presence. If such heaps of data are digitally stored and turned into analytics, the non-profit sector can improve its processes on various fronts, such as:
- Expand community outreach
- Reduce errors in intake and entry
- Speed up the process of client facilitation
- Provide tailored case management solutions
- Gain an insight into the client by learning about demographics and tendencies
Challenges in Social Services That Data Can Eliminate
Data cannot only help case managers improve their processes, but it can also help them deal with the challenges of the different sectors mentioned below.
Child and Family Welfare Services
Here is the most significant difficulty in child and family welfare case management that data can help to address.
- Constantly Growing Pool of Stakeholders
There are millions in the American Child and Family Welfare Database included, with more being added daily. There are far too many immigrants, refugees from war, and people living in poverty, and these groups rely upon caseworkers and agencies for their survival. Data enables an agency to pinpoint what services are providing best results, what is needed most, and ensure funding for their growing needs.
Juvenile Justice and Reentry Case Management
Here is a problem in juvenile justice and reintegration case management that can help solve using data.
- Lack of Accessibility to the Needy
Thousands of Americans lose a chance at life when they are initially incarcerated as a result of the American legal and penal systems. When armed with all the facts you can be proactive instead of reactive and avert possible tragic outcomes.
Mental Health Case Management
Mental health case management is one of the most challenging niches in social service. It’s also the one of utmost importance. Here’s one of the bigger challenges in mental health casework.
- Compliance and Privacy Concerns
HIPAA and GDPR compliance standards require mental health caseworkers to uphold the highest standards of data privacy. However, access to digital data storage tools and analytics is just as important for case workers in this field. The data from past cases and services necessary can caseworkers can improve accuracy in reporting and strengthen awareness and support for mental health issues. However, the key is using a platform that is high secure and HIPAA and GDPR compliant to reduce the risk of compliance failures.
Veteran Services
Here are why veteran services in the US must provide data to their case managers.
- Outdated Information and Statistics
There are currently 19 million US war veterans in the country. However, it is estimated that the number of former military members in need of social services greatly outnumbers this. An up-to-date database of veterans and the services they require and utilize can assist social workers in this sector in broadening their community reach and providing needed assistance.
Victim Services
Victim services case managers work with victims of crimes, including but not limited to sexual abuse, human trafficking, and child pornography. Here’s how data can help caseworkers in this area.
- Need for Global Collaboration
The first and foremost the challenge of victim services is educating a global population of the severity of the issue and the need for assistance. An issue that was accelerated by the global pandemic. By using data and building databases, we can increase collaboration between various stakeholders to help find, protect and service more victims. This U.S. Global Leadership Coalition article highlights the severity of this issue on a global scale and the difficulties agencies face on a global scale.
Equip Your Agency with Data-Driven Case Management Tools
Your agency's data management can be transformed by investing in the right social service software. FAMCare is equipped with cutting-edge features, secure data storage, advanced data analytics, and reporting tools that are customizable to your agency's needs. We also believe in having the conversation, finding out if we are the right fit to help transform the way your agency collects and reports on its data. Are you ready for a transformation?
