INFONET (Information Network) What is InfoNet? InfoNet (information network) is a web-based data collection system used by victim service providers in Illinois. The development and implementation of the system was a collaborative effort between the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV). How is the system structured? Remote users access a centralized database at the Authority using a Web-browser. Data is transmitted between users and the Authority database via a high-speed Internet connection. Several levels of security have been built into the system, including password-protected logons and a virtual private network (VPN) that utilizes data encryption to securely transfer data over the Internet. This centralized system shifts technical responsibility from victim service providers to technical professionals at the Authority's offices. Victim service providers are responsible for obtaining a high-speed Internet connection and a Web-browser. 
Who uses InfoNet? Thirty-six sexual assault and 69 domestic violence agencies access InfoNet from 165 sites throughout the state. InfoNet is available to ICASA and ICADV member agencies, as well as domestic violence programs that are funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services. In addition, the Authority has partnered with the Children's Advocacy Centers of Illinois to implement the system for 17 child advocacy centers in Illinois. What data are collected in InfoNet? Basic information about all clients -- victims and significant others -- who receive service from an agency is entered into InfoNet, including demographic, health insurance, employment, education, marital status, income source, referral source, special need and offender data. The type of victimization and the severity of abuse experienced by the victim are also captured, as well as the victim's interaction with the medical and criminal justice systems. 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. Agencies also enter all services provided by staff and volunteers, including direct client services, hotline contacts and outreach efforts such as training, education and system advocacy. Administrative information entered into InfoNet includes funding detail, which is used to automatically generate reports that reflect grant-specific information. How do agencies use the data? InfoNet includes a comprehensive set of reporting tools that facilitate data mining and analysis. These tools include standard reports that meet state and federal reporting requirements, as well as management reports and filters that assist case tracking and staff management. InfoNet reports are also utilized on a local, regional and state level to identify emerging trends and to target limited resources for victim services. For more information about INFONET? Contact the ICJIA Information Systems Unit (ISU) Help Desk at 312-793-8550 or Email cja.infonethelp@illinois.gov.
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