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Resources and Tools > Data Sharing
Data Sharing
Over the past several years, both the quality and quantity of data produced by various information systems have increased dramatically. Not too long ago, workers were doing manual counts and manually updating calendars with case activities. Data has evolved as management tools from caseworkers to administrators throughout the agency to across the boundaries of a variety of courts and agencies. While the data can be very useful to the agencies and ultimately to making a difference for children and families, there is a need for increased caution that the data that is shared is based on the same data definitions.
Sharing data within and across state agencies is of critical importance for child welfare clients and staff. Ultimately it may literally mean the difference between life and death for a child. Many states have elected to follow the SACWIS model for their information system. One of the requirements for a SACWIS is the sharing of information across certain program areas via electronic interfaces. In addition many states are now moving toward an Enterprise model or SOA (services oriented architecture) for their information systems. This approach will by its very nature includes sharing of information across departmental and/or agency boundaries.
The National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology can assist states in meeting the technical challenges presented by the decision to share data within all levels of a state agency and across the information silos that currently exist within many, if not most, states.
Products and Links of Interest
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Data Sharing Technical Assistance
The NRC-CWDT is available to provide customized, State-specific technical assistance on data sharing. For example, the Resource Center has provided facilitation for agency meetings between agency program staff and technical staff and between staff from different agencies to assist states in moving forward toward to goal of data sharing. Some critical questions to be considered are: Who owns the data? Who can modify what data? Do data definitions meet the needs of all users including the staff, agency, courts, and Feds?
Requests for on-site technical assistance must be approved in advance by the appropriate Children’s Bureau Regional Office, however, consultation with the NRC-CWDT is welcome and encouraged.
To make a request or find out more, please contact us at nrccwdt@cwla.org.
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