Finding Data and Information to Inform Decisions

Data resources to guide decision-making

Members can ask an expert to help: determine which data to use, or make sense of the data.

Data sources

• Results and findings from CDC's Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System.
• Data from CDC's School Health Profiles.
• School data reported by local schools and districts, such as academic achievement, attendance, enrollment, and school climate.
• Other examples of school or district data: self-reported information from students, parents, and teachers on their health or experiences.
• Federal research, reports, or publications about an existing issue—or possible solutions—from the .
• Reports, findings, briefs, and other materials from nonpolitical advocacy organizations or research institutions.
• Publications and research findings from community-based and national organizations (such as GLSEN).
• Various state websites, such as data from Georgia's Office of Student Achievement and the .
• Data from the .
• that list evidence-based programs.
• Data from public health departments—such as from the Houston Health Department, or from the Chicago Department of Public Health.

Success story

Statewide youth advisory boards make data-informed policy decisions

For the , data are at the core of its work. The Board includes current and former youth from the child welfare system aged 16–21 years.

Goals

• Create positive changes in the child welfare system.
• Raise awareness about issues for youth in the foster program.
• Organizes community service events.

How they use data

Before enacting any new project, the Board:

• Uses data to assess the issue and the community's needs.
• Analyzes the data to inform policies.
• Achieve the community's desired outcomes.

In conclusion

The Board used data when deciding to support an effort to:

• Foster connections in order to increase adoptions.
• Improve outcomes for children in the state's foster care.
• Improve incentives for adoption, among other measures.