Partners for Our Children | Improving systems to improve lives

Child Welfare Data at a Glance

How often are siblings placed together when they enter the system?

In 2015, 59% of siblings were all placed together, 17% were placed with some of their siblings, and 24% were not placed with any siblings.
Where do children go when they are removed from their homes?

Foster homes: 52%; Kin: 41%; Non-family setting: 7%
How long do children stay in care?

The median length of stay in out-of-home care is 15 months.
What are the educational outcomes of children in out-of-home care?

Roughly 66% of children in out-of-home care in the third grade achieved the age-appropriate literacy level, compared to about 88% of children not in out-of-home care.
What are the outcomes for children placed in care?

Reunification: 59%; Adoption: 16%; Guardian care: 6%; Emancipation: 3%; Remain in out of home care: 14%
How many children under 5 are in the system?

In 2014, nearly 50% of children who entered out of home care were under 5 years of age.
To what extent are African Americans and Native Americans overrepresented in the system?

On Jan 1, 2014, African American children were 2.1 times and Native American children were 3.4 times overrepresented in out-of-home care compared to white children.
How many children are in foster care?

At the beginning of 2015, there were 8,382 children in out-of-home care.
How many families receive services to prevent placement in foster care?

In 2014, 6,723 households received placement prevention services.
How many children are referred to the system multiple times?

45% percent of households had at least one child who was re-referred to the child welfare system within 36 months.
How many reports of child abuse or neglect are investigated by CA?

Children’s Administration performed an investigation and/or assessment for 45,525 households in 2013.
How much child abuse is reported in Washington?

Washington State CPS received about 90,000 unique reports of child abuse in 2014.

Data and Technology Projects

Oliver

Oliver is a new technology solution that will help child welfare and youth/young adult homeless social service providers streamline business processes within their organizations.

Data Portal

The Data Portal provides access to data about children and families who interact with the child welfare system in Washington State.

Our Approach to Data

Since Partners for Our Children started in 2007, we knew that one of the most effective ways to improve a system is by sharing meaningful data to inform decision-making.

The reason is simple: Better data promote better decisions, and better decisions improve outcomes. Within the child welfare system, that means improving the lives of the most vulnerable children and families in our communities.

Data Blog Posts

At-Risk Youth

Are We Preparing Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care for Adulthood?

Data shows that Washington falls in the middle when it comes to providing support and services for foster care youth.

Oct 10, 2014

Data Reporting

From Family Home to Foster Home: How Far Do Foster Children Move?

Data shows that disrupting foster children's lives as little as possible is key to reducing trauma.

Aug 27, 2014

Data Reporting

Does Referral Time Matter?

Data shows that late night referrals are more likely to result in a substantiated allegation of child abuse or neglect.

Apr 09, 2014

News

Data Reporting, System Reform

Can Innovation Improve Lives of Vulnerable Children and Families?

POC's executive director shares how technological innovation is critical within social services.

February 16, 2016 Xconomy

Data Reporting, System Reform

UW School of Social Work Taps Technology to Help Curb Suicide and Improve Child Welfare

Geekwire explores how the UW School of Social Work is using technology to solve important social issues, including a new technology solution created by POC.

September 30, 2015 Geekwire

Data Reporting

Child Welfare Trends Forum

POC and Children's Administration presented child welfare trend data to an audience of more than 120.

November 18, 2014

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Better Data Drives Better Decisions

Child Welfare Data at a Glance

How often are siblings placed together when they enter the system?

Where do children go when they are removed from their homes?

How long do children stay in care?

What are the educational outcomes of children in out-of-home care?

What are the outcomes for children placed in care?

How many children under 5 are in the system?

To what extent are African Americans and Native Americans overrepresented in the system?

How many children are in foster care?

How many families receive services to prevent placement in foster care?

How many children are referred to the system multiple times?

How many reports of child abuse or neglect are investigated by CA?

How much child abuse is reported in Washington?

Data and Technology Projects

Oliver

Data Portal

Our Approach to Data

Data Blog Posts

Are We Preparing Young Adults Who Age Out of Foster Care for Adulthood?

From Family Home to Foster Home: How Far Do Foster Children Move?

Does Referral Time Matter?

News

Can Innovation Improve Lives of Vulnerable Children and Families?

UW School of Social Work Taps Technology to Help Curb Suicide and Improve Child Welfare

Child Welfare Trends Forum