La. social services agency builds on Curam software

Curam Software is providing the software backbone for the recently launched first phase of a social services system project in Louisiana.

Increment 1 of the state’s A Comprehensive Enterprise Social Services System (ACESS) aims to provide a common intake system spanning most social services programs, according to a spokesman for Curam. The initial phase also covers case management for Louisiana’s Child Protection Services.

Curam is supplying its commercial-off-the-shelf Social Enterprise Management solutions, contracting directly with the state. The state selected IBM in 2004 to implement the ACESS, including the Curam software component. Last month Curam and IBM expanded a strategic alliance to deliver human services, social security, and workforce services information technology solutions to government agencies. The companies have been partnering since 1999.

In the ACESS system, Curam’s software runs on IBM’s z/OS mainframe operating system. Also running on the mainframe platform are IBM’s WebSphere Application Server and DB2 database.

ACESS will give Louisiana’s social services agency to manage multiple programs including Child Welfare, Child Care, Strategies to Empower People, Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program, Kinship Care Subsidy Program and Food Stamps, among others.

Future increments of ACESS will let caseworkers manage all of an individual’s social and human services needs in one location, the Curam spokesman said.

Curam also provides its Social Enterprise Management software to such state and local government customers as Utah and New York City.