Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families

The Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families has incorporated the use of a digital cellular technology into their social work practice. The digital cellular technology (Cellular Digital Packet Data or CDPD) used by social workers and probation officers operates under the same principles as a cellular telephone in that it uses a wireless connection to link them to the Department’s central database.

Social workers have laptop computers available to them when they are out in the field. The workers who use laptop computers equipped with this technology are trained in its use, restrictions, etc. While in the field, workers may access the central database via their laptops to review existing client information or enter new information without having to return to the office. The advantages of immediate system access are obvious; reduced transit time, more time available to work with clients and the ability to enter data while it is fresh. The wireless link ties in to the central information system through a “thin-client” application using CitriX’ MetaFrame processing. The use of thin client technology transfers the heavy computational workloads to a central “farm” of several servers with high-speed connections to the database and significantly improves performance. The MetaFrame server is set up to “suspend” or hold each user’s session for up to four hours in a way that allows the user to reconnect without losing data in case the connection is interrupted. All transmissions are encrypted to maintain confidentiality.

Intuitively, one can say that a social worker being able to spend more time in the field is a benefit. Therefore the initial cost investment for the equipment and the cost of the wireless service might be outweighed by value of increased time in the field working with clients.

Digital cellular technology, however, runs at optimal capacity when there is a strong radio signal. Often when a social worker is in rural areas or inside a building the data transmission process can be significantly slowed down. Despite these challenges, using this technology is a positive move towards removing burdens of note taking and additional data entry from social workers. 

For more information please contact Eugene Mitchell at (302) 892-6404 or email at emitchell@state.de.us.