
Human Services Software and Technology
by Guest Blogger, 2/18/2002
Client tracking lies at the core of human and social service agencies and nonprofits. As organizations absorb more programs and the attendant information demands, organizations face increased pressures to manage and navigate a variety of data drawn from various sources. Particularly in the area of client tracking, where information-- some duplicative, some unique-- is entered into and from a variety of sources, legacy systems and ad hoc approaches developed under budget and technology resource constraints are called upon to serve a number of tasks. This includes referrals, database updates, generating reports and statistics on services delivered and those who were assisted.
Thanks to increased drives towards cross-agency collaboration and partnerships between nonprofits, agencies, community institutions, and the private sector, human service organizations (especially small and local agencies) are experiencing opportunities to incorporate new-- and cost-effective-- information technology tools to raise their level of operations.
With a wide range of choices, however, where do these organizations turn for both access to tools and practical peer-reviews around experiences with their use? To help interested organizations, we compiled a list, based on previous NPTalker discussions, of key resources for human needs and social service work. Notice on any errors or omissions are greatly welcomed.
Resources
Centre for Human Service Technology in the UK (CHST)
Computers in Mental Health, Department of Mental Health, University of Exeter
Computer Use in Social Services Network (CUSSNET)
Coyote Communications">
European Network for Human Services (ENITH)
Human Service Information Technology Applications (HUSITA)
Mental Health Net
Mental Health Software Review
National Association for State Community Services Programs
(listing of consultants for client tracking and other solutions)
Nonprofit Software Index
PsycLink
Social Policy and Social Work, Learning and Technology Support Network (SWAPITSN)
Social Work Access Network (SWAN)
