Resource Data Data Governance

The What, Why, and How of Collecting and Analyzing Demographic Data to Improve Equity in Child Welfare

This brief outlines best practices for collecting and analyzing demographic data to improve equity in child welfare systems.

Organizations: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office of Planning, Research & Evaluation (OPRE), Mathematica, Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill, UNC School of Social Work

Authors: Kanisha Brevard, Josefina Gemignani, Sarah Bardin, Elizabeth Weigensberg, Roseana Bess

Published Year: 2024

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The resource offers a framework for child welfare agencies to collect, use, and analyze disaggregated demographic data—particularly on race, ethnicity, and SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression)—to understand and address inequities.

It identifies challenges and strategies related to data accuracy, privacy, and community involvement, and emphasizes how data can inform policy, improve services, and track disparities. The report also includes metrics and examples of measuring disproportionality and disparity, providing agencies with practical guidance on promoting equity across service delivery.