Developed through a contract between the Center for Child Welfare at the University of Texas at Arlington and the Protective Services Training Institute, Center for Social Work Research at The University of Texas at Austin. It was funded by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS), Child Protective Services Program

Keisha is an interactive, multimedia, computer-based simulation on failure to thrive (FTT). Keisha consists of 4 modules of approximately 30-45 minutes each. The modules are (1) the referral, (2) the home visit, (3) casework activity, and (4) forms and feedback. Keisha was pilot tested during new worker training at the Dallas CPS Training Academy in 1994. Test results are available upon request. For an evaluation of the initial version of Keisha, see Satterwhite R., & Schoech, D. (1995). Multimedia training for Child Protective Service Workers: Results of initial development and testing, published in Computers in Human Services. Vol 12(1/2) 81-97.

Keisha was developed for the Children's Protective Services Training Institute, Center for Social Work Research at The University of Texas at Austin. It was funded by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services (TDPRS), Child Protective Services Program. Keisha required approximately 4000 hours of design and development time. The purpose of the Keisha simulation was to illustrate the potential of training technology for child protective services.

A 10-15 minute structured overview of Keisha is available by using the Keisha demo. The Keisha demo is downloadable from http://www.uta.edu/cussn/. The demo will run on any computer with windows 3.1+. The quality of the pictures in the demo depends on the quality of the computer monitor and monitor drivers used.

Hardware and software needed to run the Keisha simulation

· IBM compatible computer with 4MB RAM, 6MB disk space, floppy drive, and windows 3.1+. Windows 95 preferred.

· A super VGA monitor capable of 800 by 600 screen resolution with 32,000 colors (not required for demo)

Objectives of the Keisha case simulation

• To allow users to experience the complexities of working a real FTT case.
• To allow users to make mistakes while working a FTT case without harming a client or themselves.
• To allow users to discover and apply the knowledge required to work a FTT case.
• To allow users to construct a case record from the knowledge base discovered while working a FTT case.
• To provide constant monitoring and feedback while working a FTT case.
• To reinforce good judgment in the order of events when working an FTT case.
• To improve judgment in working a FTT case by comparing user judgment to expert judgment in:
  • Analyzing an intake for priority, risk, and worker safety
  • Viewing the outside and inside of a house for health and safety hazards to the child and the worker
  • Viewing a FTT child for risk indicators

Dick Schoech, Ph.D., Professor & coordinator, Monica Williams, MSSW, Simulation Developer; Ann Wilder, MSSW, Resource Base Developer; and Rosemary Satterwhite, MSSW, Subject Matter Expert. Some of the case policy and documentation shown in this case simulation represents TDPRS risk-based service delivery system, SMART (Structured Model for the Assessment of Risk in Texas). For further information about the SMART model, contact TDPRS MC E-557, POB 149030, Austin, TX 78714.

Purchasing Keisha

The following options are available. Proceeds will be used to further our protective services technology efforts. All those purchasing Keisha will receive any updates made for one year following the date of purchase.

1. Sale of Keisha for unlimited use (no modification available) (A 30 day examination copy is available).

• $300 per computer/site for the first 2 computers.
• $200 per computer/site for 3 to 5 computers.
• $100 per computer/site (or network node) use on 5+ computers (minimum of $1000).

2. Modifications of Keisha to fit your needs, e.g., removing Texas policy and substituting your policy, $50 per hour.
3. Unprotected version of Keisha with license to modify the code with unlimited use of the modified simulation = $1500. The modified versions may be used without restrictions at one site. Use at additional sites is stated in #1 above. However, sales or distribution of the modified version may not be offered to the public in a manner that competes with the sale of Keisha by UTA.
4. Technical consultation, cooperative development of CBT with U. of TX at Arlington staff, or other options (call with proposals).
5. Keisha was developed using Toolbook.

Special Educational Use

Unlimited use of Keisha for teaching by an institution of higher education, e.g., colleges and universities = $250 total cost.

For additional information, contact Dr. Schoech at the U. of Texas at Arlington, School of Social Work, Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019-0129, ph: 817/272-3964, FAX: 817/272-2046, Internet: schoech@uta.edu.

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