Using Data on T/TA for Evaluation and Management

To improve safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families, the Children’s Bureau expanded and reoriented its network of training and technical assistance centers in 2009.

A web-based data system was designed to record information on the amount, types, and characteristics of services provided by the centers. The data system supported—

• Data collection for evaluation
• Coordination and communication among centers
• Center management
• Monitoring of center work
• Creation of reports for stakeholders

This brief describes key features of the data system and examples of analyses. The system’s design may serve as a model for those concerned with the provision of training and technical assistance and how services can be quantified, characterized, and used in an evaluation.