ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF CHILD SAFETY
“ We ’ re responsible for implementing IT solutions that support the department ’ s mission , whether that ’ s by ensuring our systems are secure , streamlining case management , or using data to make more informed decisions ,” Frank explains .
“ At the end of the day , it ’ s not just about the tech — it ’ s about finding solutions that help our frontline staff do their jobs better and give families the support they need ,” he adds . “ I see myself as someone who ’ s here to help guide those efforts and bring out the best in the people I work with .”
Making technology the focus
DCS ’ s purpose is to protect Arizona ’ s most vulnerable children . It not only provides services to support families in need , but also investigates reports of child abuse and neglect , intervening when necessary to protect those at risk .
It also focuses on prevention by offering resources and programmes designed to help strengthen families and keep them in safe environments .
“ What makes DCS unique is that we ’ re not just dealing with the immediate issues ; we ’ re looking at the long-term picture ,” Frank says .
During his tenure with DCS , Frank has seen technology take a much more central role in how the department operates .
“ When I first started , technology was more of a back-office function ,” he says . “ Now , it ’ s integral to everything we do . From improving data sharing across agencies to enabling remote work
“ When I first started , technology was more of a back-office function . Now , it ’ s integral to everything we do ”
FRANK SWEENEY CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER , ARIZONA DEPT OF CHILD SAFETY
and telecommunication , we ’ ve embraced tech as a key driver of efficiency and better outcomes .”
One of the largest shifts for DCS is how it uses data to support decision-making . Significantly , the department has moved from siloed data systems to a much more integrated approach , allowing its caseworkers to use more realtime insights to make faster and better decisions for the families it works with .
“ On top of that , security has become a huge priority for us ,” says Frank . “ We ’ ve had to adopt stronger measures to protect sensitive data , especially as cyber threats have become more sophisticated .
“ The introduction of cloud technologies and the push toward automation has been a game changer for us too , helping streamline operations and allowing our teams to focus more on what really matters , which is supporting families .”
316 November 2024