7.12.2018
Modern Thinking For A Modern Child Support System
Cloud-based software, mobile technology, and modular replacement strategies are mainstream, so why are core child support systems lagging in adoption and the benefits these solutions offer?
From consumer-centric Uber and Airbnb to enterprise-focused Workday and Tableau, there are countless high volume and highly secure cloud solutions that work 24/7 on any device and easily integrate with existing systems. These solutions are popular because they offer significant functionality, ease of use, and rapid implementation – all while placing most maintenance, operations, and upgrade responsibilities on the provider.
Child Support System Crisis
The Center for Digital Government reports 68% of Child Support Systems are old and broken. This will only continue as transfer systems based on old technology are perpetuated as a “solution.” Organizations planning on a transfer system are like a driver planning to use a paper map in the age of GPS.
Build for the Future, Not The Past
As generations who grew up on technology now work in the public sector, it’s essential that they be able to interact in a familiar way and harness all the modern capabilities available – from automation to analytics. Re-educating people to learn antiquated and less efficient technology is an unnecessary drain on resources.
RedMane’s research indicates agency leaders, end-users, and even federal partners are very interested in implementing modern solutions based on cloud and mobile that is built for the future.
So what’s preventing the change? The key challenges are awareness, groupthink, and zero-risk bias.
Understanding Challenges
Vendors and agency staff charged with planning for a new system need to be able to move past groupthink and zero-risk bias and become aware that reliable new platforms and approaches are available.
Despite being prevalent, and historically considered the safest approach, transfer system implementations are often problem-plagued and antiquated. While all systems come with risks, modular solutions are adaptable making them easier to implement and change.
Innovation
A better way forward is through modular Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) case management and financial software that supports core child support services, are native to mobile, and can run in the cloud. These modern solutions comply with federal requirements and can be easily tailored to incorporate “local ingenuity”, including agency and state specific standards and needs.
To fully consider such a solution, agencies should solicit feedback from the broad vendor community and be explicit about interest in such platforms before locking in a system replacement approach. In an era of cloud and interoperability, world-class software components can be integrated to bring real benefits with lower risk and a faster timeframe than a lift-and-drop transfer approach.
Whether it’s extending or enhancing your legacy system, incrementally retiring legacy functionality after a re-platforming, or adding on to a transfer system, these modern solutions allow organizations to begin their “Modular Modernization Journey” from just about any starting point.
Fresh thinking is needed to break out of any existing and limiting paradigm. In doing so with child support services, agencies can increase collections, improve service, enhance employee satisfaction, and control costs. All while making a future-proof investment that accommodates change from the start.
About RedMane
RedMane provides software solutions and systems integration services that address complex, real-world challenges in human services, health care, and the commercial sector. And we have significant experience with child support services. We are a problem-solving company. Technology is just one of our tools.
mCase is one example of our innovation – and it supports Child Support Services. mCase is our flexible and powerful platform that easily supports any case management program involving intake, assessment, eligibility, service planning, financial processing, and/or ongoing service delivery. It works in the office and in the field, even without internet or cellular connectivity. And with its embedded analytics, you have insight to improve outcomes. To learn more about mCase, click here.