Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Receives 2010 ISM Recognition Award for Excellence in Human Services Information Technology

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cúram Software, the leading provider of Social Enterprise Management (SEM) software solutions, today announced the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the 2010 recipient of the APHSA ISM Recognition Award for Excellence in Human Services Information Technology, under the category Innovation in Service Delivery. Chosen among a host of state and local government programs, DCFS’ Disaster Food Stamp initiative is expected to provide significant improvements to the state and its citizens including faster benefits delivery through pre-registration, increased accuracy of benefits and the ability to reduce fraud, should they be faced with a natural disaster.

“The citizens of Louisiana have faced unparalleled disasters in recent years”

Launched in response to Hurricane Gustav, this online portal for disaster food stamps utilizes Cúram Business Application Suite™, enabling citizens to pre-apply before a disaster strikes. Through the automated pre-registration process, this initiative is expected to reduce wait time at relief sites and processing errors, providing swift service delivery to the Louisiana residents.

In addition to rapid benefit delivery, the new system helps Louisiana improve accuracy and reduce fraud. The commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution allows Louisiana to cross-reference its database of disaster food stamp applicants against its regular food stamp recipients and databases in neighboring states to ensure that the state doesn’t give money to someone who is already receiving other benefits.

“The citizens of Louisiana have faced unparalleled disasters in recent years,” said Ruth Johnson, Secretary, Louisiana DCFS. “The DCFS Disaster Food Stamp initiative affords Louisianians the ability to proactively prepare for these disasters rather than face long lines and delays in service and benefit delivery, which is in direct support our vision for improved customer service and preparedness.”

The ISM 2010 Recognition Award for Excellence in Human Services Information Technology, provided by Information Technology Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM), affiliate of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), is intended to give national exposure to innovation in service delivery, application of new technologies, collaboration across traditional boundaries, and excellence in leadership in the application of information technology in support of state and local government human services. The award was announced at the 2010 APHSA ISM Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

“The concept of pre-screening is ground breaking and serves as a model for all jurisdictions that face natural disasters whether fire, flood, tornado or hurricanes,” said Ernie Connon, president, Cúram Software. “A sincere congratulations to Louisiana DCFS on their achievement of the 2010 ISM Recognition Award for Innovation in Service Delivery. This award is a testament to Louisiana’s desire to transform the way they serve their public.”

The system rolled out in time for the June 1, 2009 deadline, which coincided with the start of hurricane season. Currently twenty thousand residents have pre-applied for disaster food stamps. DCFS continues to reach out to Louisiana residents to encourage them to pre-register for the Disaster Food Stamp program by visiting their citizen portal which can be found on their website: http://www.dcfs.state.la.us/. Those who have not done so already will still have time to pre-register online or by phone during the threat of a hurricane or in its aftermath.

About Cúram Software:

Cúram Software is the leading provider of Social Enterprise Management (SEM) software solutions, delivering best-in-class applications for social enterprises globally including, health and human services, workforce services, and social security organizations. Using the Cúram Business Application Suite™ agencies can immediately reap the benefits of client-centric business processes and an outcomes-driven integrated service delivery model. The Cúram Business Application Suite, underpinned by the Cúram Enterprise Framework™, combines the advantages of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software, an enterprise platform and service-oriented architecture with the business and technical flexibility required to allow agencies to implement solutions to meet their strategic objectives. Cúram Software is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with offices throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and India. For more information, visit www.curamsoftware.com.