Collaboration Toward Improved Data Collection Efforts

In FY 2021-2022, several Institute studies required the use of Departmental data and, in each instance, Department representatives were responsive, helpful, and collaborative. Still, data collection, and subsequent data retrieval for analyses, is challenging with Florida’s complex system. First, there are numerous data collection mechanisms within and between agencies, and not all relevant information is sent “upstream” to the Florida Safe Families Network (FSFN). In our collaborations with the DCF, they were unable to provide certain child variables within FSFN due to inconsistent collection. Related, not all data are captured in an easily accessible way. For example, when the Institute undertook the Human Trafficking Screening Tool (HTST, Tool) validation study, regional partners had to gather and redact hundreds of hardcopy Tools, which then had to be entered into data analysis software. Not only does this process place a burden on our child welfare partners and increase risk of human error when transferring data, from a practical standpoint, this process would indicate that information is not easily available to professionals in the field.

Given our experiences with Departmental data, Institute researchers and affiliates have made data-related recommendations to the Department within individual reports (e.g., conducting quality assurance checks, electronic data collection). In addition, our Institute researchers have made several recommendations regarding new or improved collection of demographic data that could support more nuanced analyses. The Institute is aware that Florida will eventually be transitioning from FSFN to a new software, Child Welfare Information Solution (CWIS), and that data planning and management is a current priority. The Institute appreciates these efforts and would welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on those efforts toward continuing our collaborative partnership with the DCF during that transition.

The Institute appreciates these efforts and would welcome the opportunity to provide feedback on those efforts toward continuing our collaborative partnership with the DCF during that transition.