Streamlining Services Through Digital Integration
Learn how we are streamlining data processes, with a central focus on technology and partnership with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).
In June 2023, Children’s Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX) launched our Apricot 360 system, an enterprise case management platform that integrates with key partners, such as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), to better serve Texas children.
Integration automates data sharing, saves manual labor, reduces human error, and keeps sensitive case information more secure. Thanks to ongoing collaboration with DFPS during development, this integration was made available to our entire network of Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) at launch.
More time saved, more kids served
Starting in 2016, our partnership with DFPS has helped Texas CACs serve more child victims statewide despite a manual process. CACs were faxed or emailed copies of child abuse and neglect reports within their service areas. Staffers could assess which cases qualified for a CAC-coordinated multidisciplinary team (MDT) response.
Before our digital integration, CACTX estimated that local CAC staff spent up to 20,000 hours each year manually entering qualifying cases into our system. Now, integration between Apricot 360 and DFPS’s IMPACT system means CACs can review eligibility in real-time, create client records, and begin coordinating services with MDT partners.
Impact and continuous improvement
From July to December 2023, integration with Apricot 360 delivered 187,775 DFPS abuse and neglect reports. Of these reports, CACs qualified 59,233 for MDT responses. User-friendly dashboards help CAC staff ensure that all reports are reviewed in a timely manner and countless hours are saved, as approximately 83% of case records and 81% of individual profiles were automated.
The improved use of technology and the enhancement of the CACTX case management system will continue to support CACTX’s data-informed leadership and systems-level efforts to reach every child in Texas in need of a CAC MDT response. Reports and automation within the case management system are important tools to support CACs in providing every child with every service at the highest standard of care. We look forward to continuing our investment in supporting the work of children’s advocacy centers through technology and partnership.
Based on services from July 2023 to December 2023.
