Secretary of State Bev Clarno Releases Audit of Child Welfare Information System
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Child Welfare Information System, otherwise known as OR-Kids, is generally functional for case management, according to an audit released today by the Secretary of State. However, auditors found that the system hampered caseworkers’ efficiency due to usability issues, which put data quality at risk.
The findings are outlined in the report entitled: “Oregon’s Child Welfare Information System Is Adequate for Case Management, but Enhancements Are Needed to Improve Usability.”
DHS uses OR-Kids to track Child Welfare casework, including information about children and families who receive services. Auditors found that, while the system provides the basic functionality required for this work, usability challenges make it difficult and time-consuming to find important information about cases. Moreover, these usability concerns increase the risk that data will not be completely or accurately captured in the system.
“Keeping kids safe is the primary concern of Child Welfare in Oregon DHS and the caseworkers need the tools to be able to carry out that objective,” said Secretary of State Bev Clarno. “Having systems that are difficult to use and decrease efficiencies do not help DHS put children first.”
Read the full audit on the Secretary of State website: https://sos.oregon.gov/audits/Pages/default.aspx
CONTACT: Andrea Chiapella | 503-986-2259 | andrea.chiapella@oregon.gov
