Testing with Perfect Cases

Naomi Aranda, eligiblity worker describes how they are testing the system with unrealistic cases

December 2002
by Richard Bermack

Why is it so hard to build a well functioning computer system for the social services? The answer may be in the complexity of the cases. Workers who visited the CalWIN work group in Folsom report that the cases they were testing the computer on were “perfect cases,” and had little to do with the real world situations of their clients. Darlene White offers the following examples.

Perfect Case

The family has two small children ages three and four. Mom and dad are both unemployed, have no car, and one bank account with just $20 in it. They need child care so the parents can work. They both finished high school, and work at labor jobs when they can get them. They want to work but need more job skills.

Workers’ Typical Case

Mom works two jobs, and dad is not in the home. He has a new wife and family, and is not paying child support. Mom has five children, three from the recent marriage, and two children from different fathers, with whom she has no contact. The two young children need childcare. The oldest child is disabled and receives social security. One of the daughters is in high school and mom suspects she is pregnant. Mom never finished high school and works as laborer. She doesn’t know how to find time to go back to school or access job training. She has no support from any of the fathers.

This case easily turns into four depending on what aid the mother wants. She may decide that she cannot get enough money from CalWORKS and only apply for food stamps and MediCal. Depending on the father’s situation, the children living in his other household may also be eligible for aide.