Untapped Potential for Child Welfare Administrative Data

Although a lot of data are captured through child welfare management information systems, there is much we still need to learn about the experiences of children and families involved in child protective services, and especially why some fare better than others. This is especially true with respect to dynamics that may influence caseworkers’ decisions, actions, and case outcomes. The QIC-WD has worked with a variety of public child welfare agencies and identified untapped opportunities to better utilize (or expand) existing data systems. This QIC-Take highlights some concepts to consider during system redesigns and/or implementation of expanded, interoperable cross-system data exchanges focused on case management, such as the Comprehensive Child Welfare Information System (CCWIS).