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12-14-05:
State
Explores Efficiencies, Innovation of Video Conferencing
Department of Juvenile Corrections Among Agencies Leading Way
 Mirroring
the trend already prevalent in the private sector, the state is moving
swiftly to take advantage of technical advancements in the area of video
conferencing technology. By employing the innovative technologies, such
as video conferencing, State agencies are increasing efficiency and
service delivery to citizens.
“As technology advances, more and more agencies are able to take
advantage of the efficiencies of video conferencing,” said State CIO
Chris Cummiskey.
The Department of Juvenile Corrections recently joined the ranks of
several State agencies using video conferencing technology to increase
efficiency and effectiveness.
"Video conferencing is an important link to counties outside of
Maricopa,” said ADJC Director Michael Branham. “It is a necessary
communication tool that serves the juveniles in our care, their
families, treatment providers and agency staff."
Increased Efficiency
The Department of Juvenile Corrections will benefit from a reduction in
travel time resulting in cost savings. ADJC staff from Pima County and
the other outlying counties are using video conferencing to decrease the
number of trips to Phoenix. ADJC estimates they save over $2500 per
month in staff time saved and employee reimbursement for mileage.
Increased Effectiveness
The video conferencing system improves communication between youths in
the ADJC system, th eir
families, treatment providers, and agency staff. This helps the agency
to develop treatment plans and enables community-based providers to
reach out to families and youth on a more reliable and consistent basis.
The equipment is used to share information on medical and behavioral
issues, and to receive youth assessments and staff cases. Medical staff
at ADJC also use video conferencing to obtain information on treatment
and link with other medical professionals in the state.
Leverage Outside Funds
The video conferencing initiative was funded by a grant for ADJC’s
Re-entry Initiative from the U.S. Department of Justice. Approximately
$235,000 has been spent to purchase the equipment, data lines, and
network membership to the University of Arizona Tele-Medicine program.
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