Data collection is a key component for States and organizations to improve their policies and practice when serving children, youth and families. The following resources are intended to share data collection tools and ways that the data collection process can be improved. State and local examples are provided.
Collaborating to Collect and Use Data to Inform Quality Contacts (PDF - 152 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2017)
Discusses how to strengthen the collection, analysis, and use of data related to caseworker visits. This tip sheet highlights the importance of collaboration among data and information technology staff, child welfare program staff, and other key stakeholders in developing information systems that support quality contacts.
Fostering Court Improvement
Children and Family Resource Center, Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic, Fostering Results, & National Child Welfare Resource Center on Legal and Judicial Issues
Gives States an efficient mechanism for sharing data between dependency courts and child welfare agencies so they can more effectively manage systems. The website includes information on States participating in the initiative as well as resources that encourage the use of data to improve collaboration.
Improving Child and Family Services Through Integrated Data Systems
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2019)
Highlights key case studies, resources, research, and real-world examples of integrated data systems in action.
National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD)
U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2016)
Connects to information, like federal guidance and data briefs, as related to youth in foster care. Beginning in 2010, the NYTD has collected data about youth in foster care, including sex, race, ethnicity, date of birth, foster care status, and outcomes of those who aged out of care.
Practical Guidance to Developing Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS) Advance Planning Documents
U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2020)
Summarizes the different advance planning documents (planning, implementation, annual, as-needed, and operational) and then advises on how to compose quality advance planning documents. This webinar includes suggestions to save time and simplify the process and dos and don'ts that affect approval.
State and local examples
California Child Welfare Indicators Project
Provides child welfare professionals and the public with outcome information that can be used to improve the child welfare system.
Kids Count Data Center
Annie E. Casey Foundation
Provides detailed data analysis of children and families through a comprehensive report each year.
Florida’s Child Welfare Statistics
Florida Department of Children and Families
Shows current State data and analytics within the State on investigations, victims, removals, and other statistics. It also provides additional links to reports, measures, and trends.
State-Level Data for Understanding Child Welfare in the United States
Child Trends
Offers State and national data on child maltreatment, foster care, kinship caregiving, and adoption from foster care, which helps policymakers understand why families are in the system.