Organizations that collect data on service provision and child and family outcomes can use it to analyze the effectiveness of their programs and consider adapting services, policies, and procedures as necessary. The following resources explore how the use of data informs program improvements, including State and local examples.
Children’s Data Network
Focuses on the connections and assessment of administrative records. This data collaborative works in partnership with agencies and organizations to improves policies for the benefit of children and families.
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.
A Data-Driven Approach to Service Array Guide (PDF - 530 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2019)
Explains the process for conducting a data-driven service array assessment, engaging stakeholders, and collecting and analyzing relevant data.
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.
Guide to Data-Driven Decision Making
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children's Bureau (2018)
Explains a process for using data to inform a course of action.
How Can Becoming a Data-Driven Agency Help to Prioritize Work and Measure Impact?
Casey Family Programs (2018)
Discusses how data can be used to assess and illustrate the impact the agency is having on their community. In addition, it explains how to use data to improve decision making and outcomes for children and families.
An Overview of Independent Verification and Validation Services for Child Welfare Information Systems Development (PDF - 249 KB)
Capacity Building Center for States (2017)
Demonstrates a high-level overview of independent verification and validation (IV&V) services for title IV-E agencies and introduces the usefulness of IV&V services for child welfare information systems projects. Provides information related to implementation of IV&V services for child welfare information technology departments, and describes the independent roles of both the agency and the IV&V service provider.
Using Integrated Data Systems to Improve Child Welfare Outcomes
The Annie E. Casey Foundation (2017)
Explains how two States' policy makers used integrated data systems to work toward improving family reunification outcomes.
State and local examples
Episode 5: Data Sharing for Planning and Decision-Making [Podcast]
Capacity Building Center for States (2019)
Demonstrates how jurisdictions use data to inform their planning and decision-making. In this episode, child welfare agency leaders in the District of Columbia talk about how they work with partners to use their different data lenses to understand the needs of families and to structure a set of services to best meet the full spectrum of needs.
Child Welfare Virtual Expo: Strengthening Assessment and Decision-Making
Capacity Building Center for States (2017)
Provides four modules to help users learn how to enhance the quality of assessments and decision-making to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. This resource requires a free registration.
Results Oriented Management in Child Welfare
University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
Assists child welfare program staff in managing programs and supervising staff to achieve results for children and families within the context of the Adoption and Safe Families Act. Includes 21 modules on policy, data, and evidence-based practice.