Comet

How To Get Started Using Comet
CASA Outcomes, Management & Evaluation Tools (Comet)

Installing Comet on your computer

Before installing Comet on your computer, you will need have Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system or higher and Microsoft Office 2000 Professional (with MS Access) or higher. For system requirements for Microsoft Access, refer to the Access software documentation or contact Microsoft technical support.

After installing Microsoft Office Professional, install the appropriate version of Comet for your version of Access. The Comet software can be downloaded from our web site. 

Comet can be installed on a single computer or on a network so that several staff members can enter and view Comet data. Directions for networking Comet are available if you download the Comet Network version

Learning to use Comet

Before starting data entry in Comet, become familiar with the Comet software. By reading the Comet resources pages or attending an online Training Presentation. 

Entering data into Comet

Before entering data in Comet, it is a good idea to review and modify the Lookup Tables in the Maintenance section. Each local program may want to establish a small committee to determine the contents of the Lookup Tables so that they accurately reflect the specific requirements of the program. Programs may also want to contact the CASA/GAL State Association in there state about categories in the lookup tables that will meet state requirements for data collection.

After modifying the Lookup Tables as needed, begin data entry by entering volunteers in the Volunteers/Advocates section. There are three types of fields in this section and in the other sections in Comet. These fields include:

• Required Field: You must fill in this field to save a record. (Field with red asterisk) 
  
   
• Important Field: These fields are used in the Comet reports. It is a good idea to complete these fields so that the reports are as accurate as possible. (blue asterisk)
  
   
• Other Fields: There are many other fields that are not marked as Required or Important. It is not necessary to complete every field in Comet. However each program should decide which fields contain information that the program needs to track. It is a good idea to complete as many date fields as possible.

After entering volunteer information, enter the judges, attorneys, and case workers that work with your program. Enter placement facilities, if your program intends to track placements for children. Finally, enter groups (families) and the children served by your program. 

After you begin data entry, it is highly recommended that you back up the Comet data file on a regular basis. See the Backing up Comet Data. (link) 

Comet data is confidential information and should be covered under the same confidentiality policies that your program has established for other case data.

Data output and reporting

After entering data into Comet, any of the Comet users can view data such as the most recent placement for a child or the history of case activity for a specific volunteer. It is also possible to run a wide range of reports in the Reports section including reports for specific date ranges or specific people.

For programs that need other customized reports, it is possible to create customized queries and reports in Comet Tools. Comet Tools is an Access database that links to the Comet data file. Additional information about building customized reports is available by calling Comet Technical Support.

Converting data from other databases

It is possible to convert data from other databases into Comet. Programs with data in another application that want to migrate the data into Comet should contact a database developer familiar with MSAccess to assist with the migration. Comet Tech Support can assist the database developer by answering questions about the structure of the Comet data file

Getting assistance in working with Comet

Several resources are available for programs that need assistance in using the Comet software. These include:

• Comet Trainings: Free online trainings for NCASAA members, covering the basics of Data Entry into COMET. Contact tech support for more information.
  
   
• NCASAA Comet Technical Support: free e-mail and phone support for NCASAA members is available to answer questions regarding installation, data entry, custom report building, etc.
  
   
• State-based Comet Technical Support: free support for local programs is available from some state CASA programs; contact your state office to see if state support is available