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What's the data … and where do you find it?
The first thing to remember about the data used to analyze recruitment and retention is that some of it is already in your hands. Much of the information has been captured by your agency in a variety of ways. The key is to pull it all together and find out what it reveals about strengths and gaps in your recruitment and retention process.
We have identified three types of data that can be explored in this way.
- Tracking the process from inquiry to certification: data captured during the solicitation, engagement, and certification of prospective foster families.
- Defining the characteristics of current and needed homes: data that provides a profile of the current foster homes and the characteristics of the children they are able to care for, compared to the needs of children coming into care.
- Identifying retention successes and challenges: data that is collected about both current and former foster/adoptive homes.
These three types of data are central to review while developing a robust diligent recruitment process. Analyzing this type of information can illuminate trends, provide perspective, and help strategically address recruitment and retention needs.
This project is funded by the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under a Cooperative Agreement, Grant Number 90CO-1109. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.