DCFS Child Abduction Web Application

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Child Abduction Web Application was created as part of Los Angeles County’s DCFS’ continued efforts to promote child safety and well-being. This innovation helps Children Social Workers (CSWs) navigate challenges associated with the emergent process following receipt of reports of missing or abducted children. The time-sensitive nature of reported incidents gives CSWs limited time to perform actions that are necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the child, which include: notifying the child’s attorney; notifying DCFS Child Abduction Unit; creating proper documentation; and filing missing child and child abduction reports with the appropriate authorities. For this reason, DCFS’ Business Information Systems (BIS) Division jointly collaborated with the County of Los Angeles Office of the County Counsel, DCFS Hotline and DCFS Child Abduction Unit to develop the DCFS Child Abduction website, which lists out a step-by-step process and provides a flow of events for CSWs to perform. This supports CSWs’ efforts to complete necessary steps efficiently through their mobile smartphone or laptop. The web application provides CSWs with relevant information as they interact with local law enforcement. Through implementation of the DCFS Child Abduction web application, children’s safety is expeditiously addressed in an efficient manner.