Data and information systems, such as the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information Systems (CCWIS), play a crucial role in child welfare. Developing and implementing case management systems and data collection tools that meet not only Federal reporting requirements, but also the information needs of an organization helps inform management decisions and support caseworkers' interactions with children, youth, and families. By analyzing and using the data the information systems collect, organizations can enhance program efficiency and improve outcomes for the families they serve. In addition, information sharing among agencies that serve families helps reduce data collection efforts and improve cross-system collaboration and the coordination of services. The following resources address the use of information systems and data in child welfare:
Child Welfare Information Systems
Capacity Building Center for States
Offers publications and webinars to assist States in building their own capacity when using automated child welfare information systems.
Child Welfare Information Systems
National Conference of State Legislatures
Discusses the current and new data collection systems that States and agencies can use to gather a more comprehensive set of information that can be shared between various stakeholders and decision-makers.
Inventory of Innovations: Software and Technology (PDF - 822 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2018)
Discusses new technologies used in child welfare to provide better services in the field. It also addresses challenges to consider when deciding to implement innovations.
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Provides datasets to promote information sharing among researchers in the child welfare community.
State of the Science: Implicit Bias Review (PDF - 1,061 KB)
Staats, Capatosto, Wright, & Jackson (2016)
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
Highlights scholarly literature focused on the following domain areas: criminal justice, health and health care, employment, education, and housing. In addition, there is also a discussion of recent research-based strategies for mitigating the influence of implicit biases.
Reporting Systems
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau
Lists child welfare reporting systems. These systems allow for the collection and analysis of data regarding children and families and can be used to improve case practice and management.