Management Information Systems: Applications in Home Visiting Programs Designed to Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect

Abstract

Management information systems are proving to be a vital tool supporting voluntary long-term home visiting programs designed to prevent child abuse and neglect. This article describes key mechanisms in management information systems that serve multisite programs based on the Healthy Families America® model in Florida and Indiana. The descriptions explain how the systems facilitate successful implementation of these programs as well as track progress towards achieving improved outcomes in child abuse and neglect, child health and development, parenting, and maternal life course. Illustrations of a few key reports and analyses are presented and recommendations for ongoing improvement to these systems are offered.

KEYWORDS:

• child abuse and neglect
• home visiting
• management information system
• performance measurement
• web-based reports

Notes

Datatude Inc. developed and maintains the management information system for Healthy Families Indiana. The Research, Evaluation, and System Unit in the Florida Ounce of Prevention Fund developed and maintains the management information system for Healthy Families Florida.

Information relevant to the HFA critical elements (also labeled HFA standards) is also contained in a Healthy Families America Self-Assessment Tool 2007 (Prevent Child Abuse America, 2007). The numbering of the critical elements is different across these documents.