A clinical information system for foster care in Israel.

It is a source of great concern in Israel that children placed out of home may lose permanence and may drift in the child welfare system. One way to avoid this danger is to improve the monitoring of the children by using modern information technology as a practice aid. A clinical information system is being installed that responds to the information needs of practitioners on all levels of the foster care system. The viability of the system and its possible effects on practice and on clinical judgment are examined.