CGI-AMS, the wholly-owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc. (TSX: GIB.SV.A; NYSE: GIB), announced today that its modernization of the Alaska child welfare management system is now live. The system provides the 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.
The mission of the Alaska Office of Children's Services (OCS) is to efficiently deliver responsive and accountable services sensitive to the special needs of the children in its care. With 231 federally recognized tribes and native Alaskan communities, the state faces complex case management issues to ensure that children receive the care that they need and continue to participate in their unique cultural traditions. OCS also must accommodate its logistical challenges, so staff can effectively make contact with and monitor clients through its vast territory—from cities to extreme remote locations—over more than 585,000 square miles of land.
The new system, known as Online Resource for the Children of Alaska (ORCA), allows social workers to access case records in real-time through a Web-based system. Operational efficiencies are achieved with ORCA through the consolidation of seven separate databases into a single integrated system, eliminating many paper-based processes and reducing delays in payments to foster parents and service providers.
“Through the implementation of a best-in-class child welfare information system, Alaska is able to standardize practices, enforce accountability and achieve operational efficiencies,” said Marci Kennai, Deputy Commissioner for Alaska 's Office of Children's Services. “We now have greater access to reliable information in the least amount of time, ensuring that we deliver high-quality services to families, children and the community.”
ORCA will also enable the state to channel information more effectively to federal reporting programs such as the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS).
“CGI-AMS is proud to partner with the OCS on this critically important project, which has far-reaching benefits in transforming how Alaska interacts and supports children and families,” said Michael Keating, vice president, CGI-AMS. “We are extremely pleased to support Alaska in this effort, which is a continuation of our commitment and strength in delivering best-in-class child welfare services and solutions.”
Alaska is the sixth state to design and implement a SACWIS solution built by CGI-AMS, joining Connecticut , Illinois , New Mexico , Rhode Island and Wisconsin . CGI-AMS has successful SACWIS implementations in more states than any other information technology and systems integration firm. More than 16,000 caseworkers rely on CGI-AMS child welfare systems to manage the care and protection of abused and neglected children.
About CGI-AMS
CGI-AMS 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 North America . 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 India and Canada . CGI's annualized revenue run rate is currently US$3.1 billion and at December 31, 2004 , CGI's order backlog was US$10.3 billion. CGI's shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.SV.A) and the NYSE (GIB) and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index as well as the S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology and MidCap Indices. Website: www.cgi.com.
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CGI-AMS
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Astrid Pallme
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