ILLINOIS SACWIS PROJECT
Statewide
Automated
Child
Welfare
Information
System

SACWIS is a complex computer system that will automate casework.

The federal government initiated SACWIS to meet two primary needs:
•	To increase knowledge about who was served, how they are served and the results of the services by obtaining uniform, reliable data on children and families  
•	To provide for more efficient, economical and effective administration of all child welfare and foster care programs 

SACWIS will:
•	Limit redundant data collection and entry on forms and other paperwork
•	Increase the accuracy and availability of information
•	Improve tracking of case activities and progress

The system will be used for all phases throughout the life of a case and include the following components:
•	Intake and assessment tracking – processing referrals, investigations, assessments
•	Eligibility determination – identifying funding support available
•	Case assessment and management – preparing case plans, authorizing services
•	Resource management – managing and monitoring of service providers
•	Licensing tracking – supporting mandated licensing activities
•	Court processing – supporting legal activities
•	Financial management – tracking financial obligations and payments
•	Administration – providing quality assurance reports
•	Interfaces – creating electronic links to other systems

All staff in DCFS and private agencies that provide primary case management services to DCFS children will use SACWIS.  In Illinois, the Best Practice Model will serve as the foundation for the design and development of the automated system.  The goal is to improve the outcomes and quality of services to clients by supporting Best Practice, aiding the caseworkers, improving administrative efficiency, and adapting to the Department’s needs.

Completing this project is an intensive, multi-year effort.  DCFS staff have received computers and have received office automation training.  Private agencies are now preparing plans to obtain equipment and prepare their sites.  SACWIS is now being designed.  Implementation will begin in October 2001 and is expected to be complete by January 2003.