As artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to shape industries, its role in family services—particularly in adoption and foster care—presents both opportunities and challenges. 

Leveraging AI for family services professionals can aid in delivering quality and timely services to help families come together and stay together.   Agencies can use predictive analytics to identify at-risk families early, streamline case management through automation of paperwork, and improve placement matching. Leveraging natural language processing tools across a number of channels can even detect patterns of neglect or abuse in case reports, providing a warning flag for agencies. 

However, navigating this landscape requires a thoughtful integration of agency processes, technology, commitment and compassion to safeguard the interests of children and families. 

In this fireside chat, we’ll explore how AI can transform family services, review the ethical concerns, and how we can collectively best serve the population we are committed to. 

About Dr. Alexander Pelaez

 

Dr. Alexander Pelaez is a Professor in the Information Systems and Business Analytics department at Hofstra University. His research interests include artificial intelligence, machine learning, healthcare information systems and technology strategy. He has over 15 journal publications and 30 conference publications on topics across artificial intelligence, machine learning, financial systems, healthcare and econometrics. In addition to his academic role, Dr. Pelaez serves as the Chief Executive Officer of 5e Analytics, a data science firm specializing in providing comprehensive data services, including a robust enterprise data platform to integrate data across a number of systems and provide for visualizations and data science including AI/ML and Natural Language Processing. Dr. Pelaez’s professional experience spans over two decades in senior management positions within various companies. His extensive background in both academia and industry underscores his expertise in leveraging artificial intelligence, data science and analytics to drive informed decision-making across multiple sectors.