About SACWIS/TACWIS

July 8, 2012
Categories:
Information Systems
Topics:
SACWIS
Types:
Report
Tags:
SACWIS

Who can use a Statewide/Tribal Automated Child Welfare Information System (SACWIS/TACWIS)?

A state or tribe can elect to implement a SACWIS/TACWIS. The SACWIS/TACWIS is a comprehensive, automated case management tool that meets the needs of all users, including the following state, tribal, county, or privately contracted staff:

  • Caseworkers and supervisors
  • Managers and administrative staff
  • Providers involved in foster care and adoptions assistance case management

How is a SACWIS/TACWIS funded?

SACWIS/TACWIS funding is available for development, implementation, and operational costs. Funding is also available for SACWIS/TACWIS user-training services and SACWIS/TACWIS equipment costs for all staff, including private providers, to use the system.

In exchange for the additional funding provided to a state or tribe that elects to implement a SACWIS/TACWIS, the state or tribe must agree that the SACWIS/TACWIS will be the sole case management automation tool used by all public and private social workers responsible for case management activities.

How does a SACWIS/TACWIS support other reporting and data systems?

By law, a SACWIS/TACWIS is required to support the reporting of data to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Reporting System (AFCARS), the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and the National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD). A SACWIS/TACWIS is expected to have a bi-directional interface with a state's or tribe's title IV-A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF), title XIX (Medicaid), and title IV-D (Child Support) systems.  SACWIS/TACWIS also must collect and manage the information necessary to facilitate the delivery of child welfare support services, including family support and family preservation. States and tribes are encouraged to incorporate other programs into a SACWIS/TACWIS, such as the following:

  • Courts
  • Juvenile justice
  • Education
  • Mental health
  • Adult protective services
  • Medical providers
  • Providers of services to stabilize families and ensure child well-being

Who can participate in SACWIS/TACWIS?

The majority of states have undertaken SACWIS/TACWIS development and are in the planning, development, implementation, or operations stages. A small number of tribes have also begun the TACWIS development.