CGI-AMS Inc., the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.SV.A; NYSE: GIB), announced today that its child welfare information systems in the states of Alaska and Wisconsin received awards from two prestigious organizations - the Center for Digital Government and the American Public Human Services Association Information Systems Management (APHSA-ISM) association, respectively.
The Awards were announced during the 38th Annual APHSA-ISM Conference held August 28-31st in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Center for Digital Government Award honored Alaska's new Online Resource for the Children of Alaska (ORCA) system, which provides the State's over 450 social workers spread across 33 geographically dispersed locations with the ability to instantly share information on the more than 10,000 child abuse and neglect cases that are investigated annually.
Richard Varn, senior fellow at the Center for Digital Government, presented the award to CGI-AMS noting that, "the Center recognizes CGI-AMS and the State of Alaska for its transformational ORCA system. We conducted a thorough nationwide review and the ORCA project stands as one of the finest examples of technology advancing a critical public service offering."
Alaska's social workers can access case records in real-time through a Web-based system that supports child abuse, foster care, adoptions, and financial processing. Best practices in areas of risk assessment, placement, and payment processing are fully supported. ORCA was implemented in 14 months.
The State of Wisconsin's SACWIS System, also built and implemented by CGI-AMS, won the Recognition Award from APHSA-ISM for Excellence in Human Services Technology for Application of New Technologies.
According to Mike Coulson, APHSA-ISM chair, "WiSACWIS is a clear example of a system using innovative technology to support significant efficiencies and improved child welfare service delivery between the State and local government, multiple stakeholders, and federal government."
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) and CGI-AMS created the Wisconsin Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information System (WiSACWIS) to free caseworkers from time-consuming administrative work and, through online capability, give them immediate access to information and enable best practices in child welfare. The eWisacwis application is the first Web-based child welfare application in the United States and is built on an open source non-proprietary base. eWiSACWIS is unique in its use of innovative technology, providing caseworkers with Tablet PCs so they can perform field work in time-saving manner and focus on delivering services to families.
"CGI-AMS is incredibly honored to receive this level of recognition for our collaborative work on these two critically important projects, which transcend the boundaries of a 'typical' information technology project," says Matt Hogan, vice-president, CGI-AMS. "The Alaska and Wisconsin SACWIS systems are delivering far-reaching and long-lasting effects on these states' ability to support children and families at risk." Mr. Hogan accepted the Center for Digital Government award on behalf of CGI-AMS.
About the Center for Digital Government
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center's advisory services, online resources and special reports provide public- and private-sector leaders with decision support, knowledge and opportunities to help them effectively incorporate new technologies in the 21st century. Website: www.centerdigitalgov.com.
The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc. a national publication, event and research firm based in Folsom, California. For more information on eRepublic see www.erepublic.com.
About APHSA-ISM
APHSA-ISM is an association of State, Local and Federal Government Information Systems professionals working in the Health and Human Services areas. The goal of the organization is to promote the development and operation of effective automated systems in Health and Human Services. APHSA-ISM is an affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Website: www.aphsa-ism.org.
About CGI-AMS
CGI-AMS Inc. is the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc. Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent information technology and business process services firms in the world. CGI and its affiliated companies employ 25,000 professionals. CGI provides end-to-end IT and business process services to clients worldwide from offices in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia Pacific as well as from centers of excellence in Canada, the US, Europe and India. Website: www.cgi.com.
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For more information:
Media relations
Angela Morris, communications director, CGI-AMS
(703) 227-4294
