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With the increased focus on the use of data to inform child welfare practice, many states are recognizing the benefits of sharing outcome data with all levels of child welfare staff. One challenge facing many agencies is the question of how to collect and present data and outcomes in a manner that is both cost-effective and user friendly. Often there are not enough organized, relevant data provided to staff and administrators. In other instances there is such an overwhelming amount of information that the significance of the information can be lost.

Background

This article highlights a digital dashboard that was created and is currently in use in the state of Iowa. A digital dashboard is a desktop portal that displays large amounts of data in a clear and user-friendly format, usually with charts and graphs. It is interactive, so that high-level data may be broken down into more specific units as dictated by the user. Iowa’s Digital Dashboard utilizes information that already exists in Iowa's SACWIS, Family and Children Services (FACS), and presents it in a clear and concise format. Iowa created a program that has received positive feedback from State staff ranging from administrators to workers in the field, and is being utilized in several different ways to improve services and outcomes for children and families.

Iowa uses the graphing tool ChartDirector by Advanced Software Engineering* for their Digital Dashboard. Licenses for this software were relatively inexpensive at less than $100 per developer and two server licenses at less than $100 each. Developers of the Digital Dashboard estimate that it took approximately 300 work hours for the initial development of the product prior to its first release. The dashboard is a web application, so there was no need to install a program onto individual desktops.

Iowa began by displaying the six federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) data indicators. Since this data was already being produced for federal reporting, this information resource was available to the state for use in the dashboard. This prevented the need to spend additional time collecting and organizing new information.

Current Status

For each CFSR outcome, a vertical blue line displays each area's performance against the State target. A vertical black line displays each area's performance against the State average. If a green bar graph is displayed for an area, the State’s actual performance surpasses the State average and target. A yellow bar indicates that the area's performance exceeds State average but is less than the State target, and a red bar signifies that the performance is less than the State average and target.

* ACF does not endorse or promote the use of any particular software product or application. The application and vendor name is for information purposes only and is not intended to promulgate industry best practices.

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Iowa's Digital Dashboard: Example

The first version of the dashboard displayed the six outcomes by service area at the county level. Once users became comfortable with the program and with the idea of widespread sharing of region-specific child welfare outcome information, the outcomes were displayed at the supervisory level (within a given county) and finally at the client level (all of the clients on a caseworker's caseload). Data can also be viewed by other geographic areas (e.g., judicial districts) and incorporate demographic factors such as age and gender.

The Digital Dashboard, which provides objective information regarding child welfare outcomes, has led to greater discussion and consideration of the factors behind variations in performance outcomes. Introduction of the dashboard has helped to bring about a number of changes in Iowa. Among them, a quality assurance staff person has been hired for each service area, and that staff person uses the dashboard as a primary source of information in identifying potential areas of improvement and best practice. Administrators have taken a closer look at organization and staffing levels in different service areas based on performance outcomes. The Department of Human Services director even keeps a printout of the dashboard with him as an at-a-glance illustration of the department's child welfare outcomes.

One important feature of the Digital Dashboard is that with one click, staff can view detailed information regarding the definition of each outcome measure, as well as view information that identifies the data source within the SACWIS for each measure. These features help bring the data to life for staff and highlight the importance of accurate data entry and maintenance, as well as emphasize the direct connection between their work and outcome data.

Future Directions

An additional benefit of using this type of data display is that consumer requests can prompt additions and improvements to the system. Iowa has plans to begin displaying the relationship between the re-abuse outcome and factors such as participation in family team meetings and number of client contacts. Each bar graph will also display the relationship between the outcome and cost of the purchased services. Plans are being made to allow the public to view a redacted version of the dashboard.

Lessons Learned

Developers of Iowa's digital dashboard offer the following advice to states that are considering developing a similar program:

• Start with compelling data that will secure the interest and attention of the majority of users. Iowa used the six CFSR Federal outcomes.
• Begin simply by using data that will have the best and easiest results on the tool. Additional categories and levels of data can be added later based on consumer need and feedback.
• Release a simple version of the tool quickly to gain support for the project, and then concentrate on making additions and improvements based on user suggestions.

In a time when data are increasingly informing the practice of child welfare, Iowa's digital dashboard provides staff at all levels with the opportunity to view a concise picture of the State's child welfare practice and outcomes. Iowa's Digital Dashboard is currently in widespread use, and has the flexibility to adjust and grow in accordance with the State's needs.

For more information on Iowa's Digital Dashboard, please contact Joe Finnegan, Chief, Bureau of Child Welfare Information Systems, Iowa Department of Human Services, at jfinneg@dhs.state.ia.us.