The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) in collaboration with the Institute for Families at the Rutgers School of Social Work has launched a new dashboard on the New Jersey Child Welfare Data Hub as part of the state’s ongoing commitment to accountability and transparency related to services provided for children and families through the department’s Children’s System of Care (CSOC). 

“The launch of the data couldn’t be more timely or critical, as children and youth continue to face increased levels of anxiety, stress, isolation, and a sense of loss and grief as a result of impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said DCF commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer.

The dashboard displays important information that will help residents, stakeholders, and policy makers gain a better understanding of the wide range of services available to youth and families as well as the services’ utilization, according to assistant commissioner Mollie Greene. It augments the New Jersey Child Welfare Data Hub system that was created over six years ago.

“The new data dashboard enhances a powerful tool that allows users to explore key child welfare and well-being measures within population characteristics, and socioeconomic variables at the state- and county-level by providing the public a snapshot of the services provided by the Children’s System of Care and how the system interacts with at-risk youth and families every day,” said Theresa McCutcheon, director of the Institute for Families at Rutgers School of Social Work.

Read the full story at socialwork.rutgers.edu.