Software program wins state award

A software program developed by social services agencies in 18 counties won an award this month as the best application serving multiple jurisdictions. The award was presented by the Center for Digital Government on Dec. 12 in Sacramento.

The county of Ventura Human Services Agency was one of the social service agencies that collaborated for more than six years to develop the software application. The program, CalWIN, is used to determine eligibility for assistance programs.

The Human Services Agency began working with the Welfare Case Data Systems consortium in 1999. Ted Myers, HSA director, served as chair of the executive board from 200406, during a staggered implementation phase across all 18 consortium counties. The system was launched in Ventura in April 2006.

The Center for Digital Government is a national research institute on information technology in government.