INFONET

InfoNet includes a comprehensive set of reporting tools that facilitate data mining and analysis. These tools include standard reports that meet most state and federal reporting requirements, as well as management reports and data filters that assist case tracking and staff management. InfoNet reports are also utilized on local, regional and state levels to identify emerging trends and target limited resources where they are most needed.

Remote users access InfoNet via the Internet. Several levels of security have been built into the system, including password protection at the organizational, individual and device levels. InfoNet uses a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts data securely as it transports information between users and Authority InfoNet servers.

This centralized system shifts technical responsibilities for maintaining a data collection and reporting system from service providers, which often have little to no resources for information technology, to technical professionals at ICJIA. Service providers may use InfoNet at no cost, but they are responsible for obtaining a device that meets minimum specifications and an Internet connection.

As of October 2023, InfoNet contains 26 years of data, totaling more than 1.2 million client records and 25 million service contacts.

Basic information about all victims (clients) who receive services from a community based service provider is entered into InfoNet, including demographics, health insurance, employment, education, marital status, income source, referral source, and special needs. The type of victimization and severity of abuse is also captured, as well as victim interactions with legal and health care systems. Data are also entered about the abuser’s involvement with the criminal justice system, including arrests, charges filed, case dispositions, and sentences. Information is added to a client’s record over time, creating a history of services and events. Information that could be used to identify a client, such as name or birth date, is not entered into InfoNet. Rather, a unique number is used to track each client.

Additionally, service providers enter all services provided by staff and volunteers. This includes services to clients such as crisis intervention and court advocacy, as well as services to the community such as prevention, training and public awareness. Administrative information entered into InfoNet includes staff funding sources and allowable services, which is used to generate reports that reflect grant specific information.

In addition to our InfoNet partners, three types of local service providers use InfoNet: child advocacy, domestic violence, and sexual assault centers. Data from all three types are maintained in one system, but user interfaces are tailored to the unique needs of each type. A total of 103 local service providers access InfoNet from nearly 200 sites statewide. They include 66 domestic violence centers, 32 sexual assault centers and five child advocacy centers.