NCJ Number
199881
Date Published
2002
Length
88 pages
Annotation
This manual provides guidelines for the development and implementation of information technology in juvenile dependency courts in the form of software and data systems.
Abstract
Specifically, this manual describes the process that should be implemented by courts in developing and implementing data systems in juvenile dependency court environments and the basic functions they should contain. This is demonstrated by providing process guidelines and by presenting case studies of courts and vendors who have already used these procedures. Summaries of the experiences of six model courts and one non-model court are presented. In addition, a survey of vendors is presented to help courts better understand what planning is required to work with technology vendors. A section on data system functions encompasses case initiation and indexing; scheduling; adjudication, dispositions, and all other hearings; case closure; security; document generation and processing; and management and statistical reporting. A section on the process itself considers what needs to be done and when. The tasks described pertain to committee identification and development; needs assessment and infrastructure review; the request for proposal or requirements specification; system design, review, and implementation; and training. The section on vendor considerations advises that being prepared is the key to a good vendor relationship and a successful project. This section contains vendor survey questions and a vendor's perspective on project management. A separate section profiles the experiences of six courts that have implemented juvenile data systems. The concluding two sections contain listings of resource organizations and a vendor listing.