National Child Incident Database Development

Project Goal: Develop a Comprehensive National Child Welfare DatabaseObjective: To create a centralized, user-friendly, and secure national database that consolidates information on child abuse, neglect, and child protection practices across the United States, building upon existing systems like the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS).Key Components: 1. Data Integration: Combine data from various sources, including state-level child protective services, the NCANDS Child File, and Kids At Risk Action (KARA) reports on child deaths and egregious incidents. 2. Comprehensive Coverage: Include data on child maltreatment types, victim demographics, perpetrator information, child fatalities, CPS responses, and prevention services. 3. User Interface Design: Develop an intuitive interface for easy data input, retrieval, and analysis by policymakers, social workers, and researchers. 4. Data Security and Privacy: Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive information, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. 5. Scalable Infrastructure: Design a backend system capable of handling large volumes of data and supporting annual updates from all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. 6. Analytical Tools: Incorporate features for trend analysis, statistical reporting, and data visualization to aid in identifying patterns and informing policy decisions. 7. Interagency Collaboration: Facilitate data sharing and collaboration between child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and other relevant stakeholders. 8. Longitudinal Tracking: Enable tracking of long-term outcomes for children involved in the child welfare system. 9. Resource Allocation Support: Provide data-driven insights to help in the effective allocation of resources for child protection and prevention services. 10. Public Awareness: Generate annual reports and public-facing dashboards to increase awareness of child welfare issues and progress. Expected Outcomes: • A unified, national database that provides a comprehensive view of child welfare in the United States • Improved data-driven decision-making in child protection policies and practices • Enhanced ability to identify trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and implement preventive measures • Increased collaboration and information sharing among child welfare stakeholders • Better resource allocation and targeted support for vulnerable children and families This project will serve as a critical tool in the ongoing effort to protect children from abuse and neglect, while providing valuable insights to improve the child welfare system across the nation.

Voices for Change: Child Protection Podcast

The project aims to create a compelling podcast series engaging the community in meaningful conversations about child abuse and child protection in America. The goal is to raise awareness, educate listeners, and inspire action by sharing stories, expert insights, and resources. The podcast will serve as a platform for discussing the realities, challenges and solutions related to child protection, fostering a more informed and proactive community. Students will apply their knowledge of media production, communication, and social issues to develop content that resonates with a diverse audience. By engaging a community of child friendly constituents in a conversation about the needs of abused and neglected children will help find a path to supporting the people, programs and policies that will heal children and give them the skills they need to succeed in life. By starting conversations about how communities are succeeding and failing in keeping children safe we will build understanding and advocacy for ways to improve their lives. KARA seeks help identifying process, pitfalls, and best practices in podcasting and finding support to make this a success on a larger scale.

Social Media Engagement Manager (Facebook)

The goal of this project is to enhance the interaction and engagement between Kids At Risk Action (KARA) and CASA volunteer child advocate organizations on KARA's Facebook page. The problem is that current interactions are sporadic and lack a structured approach, which limits the potential for meaningful engagement and information sharing. By developing a comprehensive engagement strategy, the project aims to increase the frequency and quality of interactions, fostering a supportive online community. The project will involve researching best practices for social media engagement, analyzing current interaction patterns, and designing a tailored strategy to improve communication and collaboration. The strategy will focus on creating positive interactions with CASA organizations that encourages active participation and strengthens the relationship between KARA and the CASAs.

Child Advocate Training Program

The main goal for the project is to build and launch a program to train child advocates. This program will aim to educate and empower individuals to support abused and neglected children, create awareness, and involve the community in ending childhood trauma and generational child abuse. Students will study the landscape of child abuse in America today, strengths and weaknesses of our institutions, learn about the available legal and social support systems for children, and develop effective advocacy strategies.