Using Geographical Information Systems to Enhance Community-Based Child Welfare Services

Knowledge about community services and neighborhood characteristics is vital in effective child welfare practice. Geographical information systems (GIS), a computerized mapping technology, can give child welfare practitioners, managers, and planners the ability to query and analyze case and program...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Child maltreatment 1998-08, Vol.3 (3), p.224-234
Main Authors: Robertson, John G., Wier, Kimberly R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Case Management
Child welfare
Child Welfare Services
Community based programmes
Computer Software
Computers
Educational Needs
Enhancement
Geographic information systems
Information systems
Medical sciences
Mental health
Organization of mental health. Health systems
Planning
Program Evaluation
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychopathology. Psychiatry
Role
Social psychiatry. Ethnopsychiatry
Social services
USA
Welfare Services
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Summary:Knowledge about community services and neighborhood characteristics is vital in effective child welfare practice. Geographical information systems (GIS), a computerized mapping technology, can give child welfare practitioners, managers, and planners the ability to query and analyze case and program data. This article discusses the use of GIS in child welfare practice using a series of applications related to (a) case management—matching a client with community resources; (b) program planning—matching services for children to community needs; and (c) evaluation—assessing the effect of a community intervention. Implementing GIS technology into child welfare practice is outlined. Differences in GIS software are discussed along with hardware and training needs. Gathering and applying demographic and community information to develop applications is explored.
ISSN:1077-5595
1552-6119
DOI:10.1177/1077559598003003002