NCJ Number
128075
Journal
Future Choices Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 41-51
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The United States currently lacks a comprehensive, well-organized information system to aid policymakers and administrators in identifying and addressing the specific needs of children.
Abstract
Problems in the current information system include inadequate agency coordination, inconsistent social indicators, insufficient state-by-state data, and inefficient use of existing data. Eight Federal agencies currently compile statistical information. The most feasible and effective ways to strengthen the existing information would be to create a centralized coordinating agency and to standardize data collection and dissemination procedures across existing agencies. Other recommendations focus on the use of an interagency council, the creation of a single "super-agency," the use of consistent and comparable approaches to measurement, and timely collection of data and publication of reports. Charts