Building Data Capacity

Consistent and high-quality data collection helps to improve service delivery, operations, and strategic activities. Types of data include demographic data, data on services provided, and outcome monitoring. Collectively, CYACs in Canada can identify trends in their data to shape advocacy to improve policies related to children, youth, and their families who are at risk of or have been impacted by child abuse and neglect.

Why data matters

Data helps CYACs understand day-to-day service delivery, carry out program evaluation, and identify trends to inform advocacy. When core services are provided within CYACs, they can lead to positive outcomes for children, youth and their families. CYACs can use case tracking data to understand how their services impact children, youth, and the families they serve.

To do this, CYACs need to measure both outputs and outcomes.

A theory of change for CYACs

A theory of change shows the logic of how and why different activities and elements of a model will lead to the intended changes. Developing a theory of change helps to clarify the relationship between services and outcomes, identify leaps of logic or assumptions that are being made, and guide program evaluation and research to understand the effectiveness of the CYAC model.

A theory of change can help ensure that the core services of the CYAC model guide data collection and the way we measure impact.

One example of a CYAC theory of change is from the Alberta CYAC network. It provides an example of how the CYAC Guidelines can be thought of in relation to impact of the CYAC model for children, youth and their families.

Harnessing data for better outcomes

The goal of providing services within the CYAC model is that children, youth and their families will experience positive changes in the areas of safety, justice, and healing.

Safety

Children and youth are protected from further physical, psychological, and emotional harm.

Justice

Children and youth are empowered and exercise their rights in the investigation and legal processes.

Healing

Children and youth experience restoration to their sense of agency and well-being.

It is important that CYACs collect data on the core services to track service delivery and monitor progress. Case tracking is the anchor to collecting data for service delivery, program evaluation, and research and advocacy work. It is a systematic approach to collect consistent data on each case served by the CYAC. Case tracking includes demographic data on the children, youth and families, and case characteristics. It also includes data about the services received.

To get started, CYACs will need:

A consent form that includes information on how data is collected and used
An memorandum of understanding (MOU) to guide data collection parameters between multidisciplinary team partners
A defined approach and templates for consistent administrative data tracking
A protocol for outcome monitoring

For more information on case tracking in CYACs, review the CYAC Guidelines and key components.

CYAC Guidelines

Approaches to data collection

Approaches to data collection that monitor both outputs and outcomes are listed below. These cards include core services and foundational components of the CYAC model.

Child Forensic Interviews

Forensic interviews are recorded and conducted in a manner that is: legally sound; supportive; of an unbiased, fact-finding nature; coordinated among multidisciplinary members; and grounded in research-based forensic interviewing guidelines.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment

Specialized medical evaluation and treatment services are routinely made available to children and youth. All cases of suspected child abuse are assessed to determine need for medical evaluation.
Mental Health Evaluation and Treatment

Specialized evidence-informed trauma-focused treatment and mental health services are tailored to the needs of the child/youth and supportive family members.
Victim Advocacy and Support Services – Victim Supports

Victim advocacy and support services are offered to all children, youth, and families at the CYAC to help reduce trauma and improve outcomes.
Victim Advocacy and Support Services – Court Supports

Victim advocacy and support services are offered to all children, youth, and families at the CYAC to help reduce trauma and improve outcomes.
Case Review

Collaborative case review is carried out to discuss elements of the case, address safety or risk issues, make a plan for ongoing support, and prepare for the criminal justice process.
Diversity and Inclusion

Cultural, linguistic, and socially inclusive services are available to all children, youth and their families at the CYAC.
Organizational Capacity Building

A designated legal entity is responsible for the governance of CYAC operations.
Child-Focused Setting

The CYAC provides a welcoming, physically and psychologically safe, neutral, trauma-informed and comfortable child-and-youth-friendly setting.
Multidisciplinary Response

The CYAC includes an integrated MDT from the core disciplines and agencies involved in the case.
Case Tracking

Collaborative case review is carried out to discuss elements of the case, address safety or risk issues, make a plan for ongoing support, and prepare for the criminal justice process.

Strengthen Data

Research and Advocacy

Collecting and using data helps CYACs improve services, strengthen programs, and make informed decisions. It also reveals child abuse trends, highlights areas for improvement, and identifies gaps in understanding. CYACs can leverage information on child abuse trends and service delivery to advocate for change, improve practices, influence policies, and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted by child abuse and neglect.

If you are interested to share trends, gaps in research or advocacy, contact us!

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