Queensland Child Safety Engages Deloitte to Assess Crucial IT System
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Brief Overview
- Queensland has engaged Deloitte Australia to conduct an audit of its Unify client management system.
- This audit follows serious failures that threaten the safety of at-risk children.
- A separate audit by Queensland Audit Office focuses on deployment and implementation processes.
- The Unify system is struggling with access to staff information and data sharing capabilities.
- Reports indicate issues with the system’s navigation and overall design.
- Unify oversees data for about 15,500 children.
- The system’s development cost is around $183 million; initially revealed in 2019.
The Audit Effort
The Department of Child Safety in Queensland has launched an audit of its Unify client management system, engaging Deloitte Australia to address critical shortcomings. These issues have significantly impacted the safety of at-risk children, stemming from problems with data access and information sharing.
System Issues and Government Action
The Unify system, vital for overseeing child safety and youth justice matters, has been plagued by substantial challenges since its introduction. Staff members have reported difficulty in accessing information and sharing it with collaborating agencies. A notable issue was the loss of data related to court orders, underscoring flaws in the system’s design and navigation.
Further Oversight by Queensland Audit Office
Alongside Deloitte’s role, the Queensland Audit Office will perform a distinct review concentrating on Unify’s deployment and execution. This combined effort is intended to comprehensively confront the system’s deficiencies and improve its performance.
Enhancing System Support and Efficiency
To tackle ongoing challenges, the Department of Child Safety has appointed a team of nine child safety personnel statewide to extend support. The department highlights that fixing Unify’s problems is a primary focus to guarantee effective management of child safety initiatives.
Unify System: Overview and Costs
Unify, which was introduced in phases, has replaced the outdated Child Safety and Youth Justice ICT infrastructure. It was crafted to enhance case and client management for vulnerable children and their families. The overall investment amounts to $183 million, including an initial commitment of $51.1 million made in 2019, following an audit that revealed integration issues with its predecessor.
Conclusion
In light of significant failures within the Unify system, Queensland’s Department of Child Safety has enlisted Deloitte Australia for an inclusive audit. This initiative, along with a separate assessment from the Queensland Audit Office, aims to resolve the issues impacting the safety and management of approximately 15,500 children in the state. Addressing these difficulties is essential for the effective and secure operation of child safety activities.