Information Systems in the Social Services: Factors for Success

Abstract

This paper presents the systems approach for the design and operation of a social service information system. Because the information technology hasn't been widely accepted throughout the social service profession, the assimilation of its benefits is only beginning to be realized. The paper includes the design and operation factors that have proven successful from the collective experiences of social service agencies and their lessons learned. This paper cites an example of an agency which subscribes to these factors for success. The evolving need for human services information systems is delineated as well as the major forces contributing to system development. Lastly, those factors related to informa tion system success are presented and correlated to various operating and system design criterion.