The purpose of this weekly blog is to stimulate thought and discussion about the topics that affect the entire social services sector. Even though our blog appears here on the FAMCare site, it is not our intention to inform you about our products in this space. However, every now and then, FAMCare does provide the perfect solution to a problem the social services sector is faced with. 

"If it isn't documented, it didn't happen."

This is the cynical mantra of both private and public social service agencies. The limitations of blog space prevent me from retelling countless case histories where a social worker is accused of neglect or wrongdoing by a client or agency and must produce a documented history of client contacts. It is sufficient to note that social workers sometimes find themselves in situations where they must be able to provide evidence of their conduct and actions during some time in the past. This may occur in the context of litigation or adjudication of an ethics complaint filed with a state licensing board or the National Association of Social Workers. Although most social workers understand the importance of careful and thoughtful documentation, some do not. 

Social Service Agencies, both governmental and non-profit, are currently studying the productivity of their case workers. As caseloads increase and budgets restrict hiring, productivity is becoming topic number one. Agency management is desperately trying to isolate the working conditions that impede efficient workflow and demoralize an already overworked staff. 

If You Have the Will, We Have the Way 

The National Association of Social Workers states emphatically that: 

Yes - you read that right... "Your Data Doesn't Matter!"

Well, actually - that is a half truth.  Of course your data does matter.  The point is when agencies and caseworkers are looking for new case management software - they focus mostly on their data... how it will be collected, what it will look like, how informative and actionable is the data and will it be helpful to your funders?

Hello - I wanted to share a recent press release with you.

HOW FAMCare PREVENTS BURNOUT 

I recently interviewed a caseworker who had quit the business. She had burned out. I assumed I was about to hear a harrowing tale of towering caseloads, insensitive supervision, unruly clients, unreasonable hours, and unsatisfying outcomes. Yes, all of these factors contributed to her eventually quitting. But, the surprising factor that she kept coming back to, believe it or not, was PAPERWORK. That's right, paperwork! 

Well, it’s that time of the year again and our sponsorship continues! As a company (with participation by our employees), GVT has participated in the Adopt A Family program sponsored by Catholic Charities and Knights of Columbus.