County Social Services Approves Five-Year Contract for Child Welfare Software Support

The Cayuga County Committee Meeting on Health & Human Services held on August 13, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding software used for child welfare and adult protective services, as well as the approval of a contract for rapid rehousing case management services.

A key discussion centered on the county's reliance on a specific software system that has been in use for several years. Amanda O'Grady assisted in providing documentation confirming the software as a sole source provider. The software is crucial for field workers, allowing them to scan and store documents related to cases, including medical forms and progress notes. This digital system enhances efficiency by enabling workers to access and input information directly during home visits, eliminating the need for physical paperwork.

The committee highlighted the software's value, noting that it costs $127,000 annually but significantly improves the retrieval of information and overall workflow. The system is designed to catalog data effectively, allowing users to search for specific terms or past interactions with families, which streamlines case management.

Additionally, the committee approved a five-year contract with the software provider, securing a more favorable rate with a 2% annual increase compared to a year-to-year agreement. This long-term commitment aims to ensure continued access to the essential tools needed for effective service delivery.

In another important decision, the committee authorized the chair and the commissioner of social services to contract with community action programs for rapid rehousing case management services. This initiative is fully funded through federal sources, ensuring no additional costs to the county.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving service delivery through technology and effective resource management, paving the way for enhanced support for vulnerable populations in Cayuga County.