Data 101: Using Data to Improve Agency Performance

By Edward Cohen, M.S.W., Ph.D., for the Northern California Children & Family Services Training Academy, November 14, 2003.

Introduction

This course provides child welfare supervisors and managers with an understanding of data analysis for improving agency performance with the implementation of AB 636, the Program Improvement Plan (PIP), and the Stakeholders Redesign.

Training Components:

1. Participant's Manual--Using Data to Improve Agency Performance (35 pages)
Topics include:
  • Using data to improve outcomes for children and families
  • The mechanics of data analysis
  • Quality improvement--how to monitor and manage quality Participants will learn how to use data as an integral part of child welfare practice as agencies move toward outcome and accountability based evaluation.
The manual includes a course overview, competencies, learning objectives, contextual background, concept overview, concept-to-practice applications, and next steps. A list of references, internet sites, and a glossary are also provided.
2. Using Data to Improve Agency Performance (PowerPoint Presentation) (34 slides)
3. C-CFSR Proposed Outcomes and Indicators, Draft June 2003 (table, 12 pages)
This table presents a proposed set of outcomes and indicators as developed by the Child Welfare Outcomes and Accountability Workgroup in consultation with the Chapin Hall Center for Children. The information was taken directly or adapted from the CWDA list of outcome measures.
4. C-CFSR Prospective Outcomes and Indicators (table, 4 pages)
5. Family to Family & Your Program Improvement Plan (PIP): Notes from the Annual Family to Family Conference, Portland, Oregon, June 2003, Barbara Needell, M.S.W., Ph.D., and Wendy Piccus, B.A., and all workshop participants, Center for Social Services Research, University of California at Berkeley (16 pages)
This paper documents a discussion session concerning the interrelatedness of the Family to Family Initiative and the PIP.
6. Comparing the Components of the Federal CFSR and the State C-CFSR (table, 2 pages)
This table addresses the three components of Initial Self Assessment, Case Review, and Accountability for Improvement.
7. Exercise: Agency Strategies for Improving Outcomes--Group Exercise Worksheet (3 pages)
8. Flowchart: Data to Process to Outcome: The Continuous Improvement Cycle (2 pages)
9. Additional handouts provided courtesy of Central California Child Welfare Training Academy at CSU, Fresno:
For related trainings, please refer to:

Last updated: February 11, 2008