Access to workforce development, housing, health, and human services is often a fragmented, repetitive, and disappointing maze for providers and consumers in every community. Following years of planning and pilot testing, the Central Indiana Community Network (CICN) has found an innovative solution that is cost effective, convenient for users, and easily replicable. CICN enables agencies to continue using their current case management systems while accessing an electronic warehouse of shared information. The CICN application is a web-based approach that allows existing case management systems to communicate and to collect and share consumer data over a secured connection to the Internet via an encrypted web browser.
CICN is not intended to replace existing case management systems; rather, it is a tool that allows systems to function together on a larger community-wide level. It encourages organizations to share basic client information, assists in reducing duplication of services, enables region-wide reporting and planning, and results in more responsive customer service. Moreover, for agencies that don’t have an automated case management system, CICN provides a built-in case management system.
CICN partners are BitWise Solutions, NPower Indiana, and the Indiana University School of Social Work. Other partners include: the City of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Housing Agency, Domestic Violence Network, Salvation Army, Community Centers of Indianapolis, United Way, Coalition of Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, Information and Referral Network, Goodwill Industries, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Keys to Work, Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, case workers and clients. Collectively, these agencies serve 1.6 million residents of Central Indiana, where 41,220 people are unemployed, 15,000 are homeless, and 122,677 live in poverty.
