Cornerstone User Information

Cornerstone Information Flow

The Cornerstone system relies heavily on the transfer of data between various providers. This information sharing is supported by a technical structure consisting of PCs and Local Area Networks (LANs), connected to DHS' central mainframe computer via a Wide Area Network (WAN).

Client information is collected and updated at the local agency. The LAN enables the local agency to share appropriate data about clients (such as historical data on immunizations) between themselves. Located in over 380 community health service locations, the Cornerstone LANs support between 2 to 30 workstations per service location. However, the WAN allows local agencies to share appropriate data with other Cornerstone community service locations. Additionally, each evening a process is completed that transmits collected/updated information via the WAN to DHS's mainframe computer for central processing. At this point, the system interfaces with the Illinois Department of Public Aid and Children and Family Services to identify clients eligible for case management services and in need of follow-up.

A client's privacy is protected through several safeguards built into the system. Sensitive information remains at the local agency where it was collected. Therefore, it is not included in the upload transfer to the state, nor is it available to other agencies through the WAN. In addition, specific items deemed especially sensitive by a client can be flagged as confidential by the case manger. In this status, these items are unavailable to any other system user.