Kansas DCF announces new $100m child welfare system

TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) announced that it has awarded contracts for a new Child Welfare Information System that is expected to cost $100 million.

DCF has awarded three contracts for a new Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) that will be used to modernize DCF’s current systems, according to a press release issued on July 22. The DCF said the new system will integrate services across Prevention and Protection Services and Adult Protective Services.

“A modern and adaptable information technology infrastructure system will help our employees and partners seamlessly work together to better serve Kansans,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. “We’re happy to be working with RedMane, Maximus, and CSG to bring the information technology side of Kansas’ child welfare system into the 21st century.”

The contracts were awarded to the following vendors:

• $44 million.
  • RedMane Technology.
  • To build and implement the new CCWIS system.
• $2.19 million.
  • Maximus U.S. Services.
  • To provide oversight and monitor the project.
• $4.75 million.
  • CSG Government Solutions.
  • To validate systems and ensure quality.

DCF said the new CCWIS will replace the old legacy systems, improve data sharing between agencies, enhance case management and ensure federal CCWIS compliance. About half of the total cost will come from the State General Fund with the rest coming from Federal IV-E funds, according to the DCF.

The CCWIS project is anticipated to start immediately now that all contractors are approved by the Administration for Children and Families and the State of Kansas. DCF reported these ‘design, development and implementation’ contracts are for four years and include three optional 36-month renewals.

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