Technology Trends in Child Welfare: Looking Ahead to 2025

As we move towards 2025, child welfare agencies are at a pivotal point where technology is not just a facilitator but a crucial catalyst for transformative change. Unlocking the value of data remains a mission-critical pursuit for these agencies, as they seek to improve outcomes for children and families through enhanced data sharing, standardized data practices, and advanced visualizations. Alongside these efforts, generative AI emerges as a powerful tool to enhance caseworker productivity, while scalability and flexibility in technology systems are essential to adapt to rapid policy changes.

Unleashing Data’s Value

Data is the backbone of effective child welfare services, given the complex coordination required among multiple agencies, including law enforcement, adoption services, and healthcare providers. The ability to share data seamlessly is vital for ensuring these entities work in harmony towards common goals. However, the presence of co-occurring challenges, such as substance use and mental health disorders, can complicate outcome measurement. By standardizing data collection and implementing robust data governance practices, agencies can overcome these hurdles, ensuring that interventions are targeted and effective.

Moreover, data visualizations have the potential to yield powerful internal and external outcomes. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) solutions, for instance, help agencies identify service gaps and optimize resource allocation. Additionally, these visual tools empower caseworkers by allowing them to see the impact of their efforts in real-time, providing a motivational boost that can enhance their work efficiency and commitment.

Generative AI: Enhancing Caseworker Productivity

Generative AI stands out as a promising avenue to bolster caseworker productivity by automating repetitive yet essential tasks. From summarizing and recording call notes to producing correspondence or powering chatbots for routine inquiries, AI can handle tasks that traditionally consume significant time and resources. Furthermore, AI’s role in standardizing data collection cannot be understated. The tendency of caseworkers to use interchangeable terms in case notes—such as “father” and “dad” or “wife” and “spouse”—can affect data usability. By programming AI to use consistent terminology, agencies can enhance data reliability, making it a powerful tool in the decision-making process.

Scalability and Flexibility: Preparing for Rapid Change

As policy changes accelerate, technology systems must be both scalable and flexible to keep pace. In 2024, California enacted numerous changes to child welfare laws, reflecting a broader trend of rapid legislative evolution. Agencies unprepared to adapt swiftly may find themselves struggling to comply and maintain service quality. Investing in cloud solutions, data analytics, and AI becomes imperative for agencies to remain agile and responsive to these shifts.

As child welfare agencies look ahead to 2025, the strategic integration of technology is paramount. By unlocking the full potential of data, leveraging generative AI for productivity, and ensuring technology systems are scalable and flexible, agencies can better navigate the complexities of child welfare. Investing in cloud solutions, data analytics, and AI today will empower these organizations to not only keep pace with change but also drive impactful outcomes for children and families in the years to come.

-Genevieve Brooks, Associate