All components have not been completed and integrated, so it is too early to assess the impact of the Denver VS2000 information system. However, anecdotal reports and comments by VS2000 ProviderNet members indicate that system users are thrilled with their new technology and the increased capacity it gives them. They are delighted with the ease with which they now share information with colleagues and serve victims more effectively and innovatively. An evaluation component of CMS will allow VS2000 staff to evaluate the system's effectiveness through the eyes of both victims and service providers and use this information to develop system enhancements.

Flexible and Versatile

The VS2000 information system was designed for replication in a variety of formats, contexts, and geographic areas. The Resource Directory may be used by one victim service agency or by a group of agencies that share resources. The resources may be shared by geographic area, as in the case of VS2000, or by particular victim population, such as a coalition of sexual assault and domestic violence programs. The directory may be used to link resources in a particular community, state, or region. Similarly, the online Training Center may be used by a community, state, region, or coalition of victim service providers to share training opportunities and resources. Designed for use by one agency or a group of agencies who want to share case records, CMS offers a powerful case management tool for victim service providers. CMS is the first case management system designed not to be limited to one particular group of victims or clients.

Available to All

The entire VS2000 technology system has been developed in the public domain and is available, free of charge, to anyone who requests it. The question for prospective users of the system is the same one that faced VS2000—to "buy or build?" Components of the system will be available as "off the shelf" products, complete with operating guidelines, ready to install and use. The source code also will be available for prospective users to customize the applications. Please check the OVC Web site for details.