National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology

Who We Are

The National Resource Center for Child Welfare Data and Technology (NRC-CWDT) provides a broad range of technical assistance to State and Tribal child welfare agencies and the courts on data and systems issues to improve outcomes for children and families. The Center helps States, Tribes, and courts improve the quality of data collected, build the capacity to use the information for decision-making in daily practice, and develop or improve case management and data collection systems, including Statewide Automated Child Welfare Information Systems (SACWIS). The NRC-CWDT provides technical assistance to States to help improve the quality of data reported to the Federal Government in the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). The Center also provides technical assistance during the CFSR process and on other Federal, State, and local legislative requirements, policies, and initiatives. The NRC-CWDT coordinates the data conference sponsored by the Children's Bureau, usually held annually.

How We Can Help

The Center provides a broad range of technical assistance on program, data, and automation issues to public and Tribal child welfare agencies and the courts. Major areas of emphasis include assisting States in improving the quality of data reported to the Federal Government and supporting the CFSR process. Assistance may include:

Training
The Center provides training on using and managing data at all levels of the organization. This includes the development of customized training curricula and materials, the delivery of training to key staff, and training of trainers to promote systemwide improvements in understanding and using data in policy and practice.

Data Analysis
The Center can assist States in developing their capacity to analyze data for administrative use, which includes analyzing and using data in planning, evaluation, and system improvement efforts. Assistance in presentation of data to both internal and external stakeholders is also available.

AFCARS Assistance
The Center provides assistance around AFCARS, which can be tailored according to States' needs. This can entail a full Program Logic and/or Mapping Documentation Review or a more administrative-level AFCARS Overview and Review of Federal Definitions and Policy Guidance. The AFCARS Toolkit, available on the NRC-CWDT website or free of charge as a CD-ROM, provides links to key materials and documents related to the collection of quality adoption and foster care data that can be used to address policy development and program management issues at the State and Federal level.

Coordinating Peer Consultation
The Center can coordinate consultation among States with similar issues. This can take place through informal exchange of information or through a structured process involving onsite, facilitated meetings. More information about peer consultation can be found on the NRC-CWDT website.

Supporting States in the CFSR Process
The Resource Center assists States throughout the CFSR process. Services include assistance in understanding data composites; preparation for and use of the State Data Profile; resolution of data sources, quality and interpretation related to outcome measures; evaluating enhancements required to information systems in the context of the Program Improvement Plan (PIP); and consultation on benchmarks and improvement measures during PIP development and implementation.

For More Information

Address:	2345 Crystal Drive Suite 250 Arlington, VA 22202
Phone:	877.672.4829 (toll-free) 703.412.2400
Fax:	703.412.2401
Email:	nrccwdt@cwla.org
Website:	http://www.nrccwdt.org
Contact:	Lynda Arnold, Director 405.621.2999 Julie Ohm (TA) 202.942.0331

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