Our Services

The NRC-CWDT project team and consultants bring a unique perspective and understanding of child welfare and information technology needs. We assist in strategies to promote the collection, quality, comparability and use of child welfare data for policies and practices that benefit children and families. Technical assistance is available in the effective use of automation for measuring child welfare outcomes, including those required for Statewide Assessments, Child and Family Services Reviews, and Annual Reports of State Performance. Specific services include:

AFCARS Technical Assistance
We provide assistance with data mapping, report programming, and information system design, focused on AFCARS and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, to ensure accurate and consistent reporting definitions.

Annual Data Conference
We assist the Children’s Bureau in conducting an annual conference on data usage and information technology in child welfare.

CFSR Technical Assistance
Our staff is available to assist State, court, and tribal staff in all aspects of how data are used in the CFSR process, with the goal of ensuring that the data provide the most meaningful contribution possible to the State.

Preparing Data
We help States build a capacity to prepare the State Data Profile and other related measures as needed. For example, the NRC-CWDT has prepared a Toolkit for Understanding the State Data Profiles. The toolkit is available on the State Data Profile Toolkit page. Our assistance may also include developing and analyzing data from alternative sources available to the State.

Addressing the Seven Outcome Measures in the Statewide Assessment
We help address outcome measures in the Statewide Assessment in terms of the State’s results, specific national standards, and data that can be used to evaluate the State’s performance. This typically involves discussion of available data sources, data quality, and involvement of stakeholders in providing and interpreting data.

Evaluating Systemic Factors
We address available data and how it can be used in concert with available qualitative data to evaluate the State’s performance in the case review system and other systemic factors in the CFSR. Our staff have particular expertise in the first systemic factor—Statewide Information System Capacity.

Preparing for the Onsite Review
We help States address issues in data, research, sampling, or information systems regarding location and sample selection for the onsite review.

Measuring Program Improvement Plan Progress
We help plan enhancements to statewide information systems and reporting architectures to document changes in specific outcome measures outlined in Program Improvement Plans.

Coordinating Peer Consultation
We facilitate consultation and information sharing among States with similar issues and experiences.

Coordinating with Children’s Bureau Technical Assistance Network
The NRC-CWDT frequently collaborate with members of the Children’s Bureau training and technical assistance network and Division of State Systems on approaches for hardware, software for SACWIS and shares information on model systems, approaches and applications.

On-line Database
We maintain a searchable database of information resources concerning child welfare and the use of information technology, including reports from State and Federal partners, related links, and Tips, Tools, and Trends in the field.

Training
We provide on-site and regional training on data use and data management at all levels to build the capacity of child welfare programs to use child welfare data in policy, practice, and management decision-making.