Using Technology to Transform Social Services

The Massachusetts state agency tasked with protecting children from child abuse and neglect is facing its own internal dilemma. Antiquated IT systems and paper-based processes are making it harder for caseworkers to properly investigate incoming reports and coordinate with police and other entities in a timely manner, writes Stephen Goldsmith, a former mayor of Indianapolis, and a professor at Harvard’s Kennedy School.

In his Boston Globe article, Goldsmith argues that better IT can save lives, but burdensome procurement cycles and IT requirements are major barriers to technology reform. "Dramatic change that saves lives is easily within reach, but we need leadership from agency heads and political backing from Beacon Hill to get us there."