NCJ Number
221517
Date Published
September 2007
Length
36 pages
Annotation
Based on input from organizations that are developing and using monitoring systems, this monograph describes the practices of monitoring the well-being of children and adolescents, which are an integral part of preventing child and adolescent problems and ensuring their successful development.
Abstract
This monograph describes Federal, State, and local monitoring systems that provide estimates of problem prevalence; risk and protective factors; and collect data on mobility, economic status, and public safety indicators. Data for these systems come from surveys of adolescents and archival records. By focusing on measurable outcomes for child and adolescent health and development, Community Monitoring Systems (CMSs) can help achieve critical improvements in the lives of children and adolescents by contributing to positive changes in services at the community level. As communities become skilled at implementing and operating CMSs, they can use data to guide policymakers in choosing programs, policies, and practices that address risk and protective factors. This monograph offers guidelines for creating and implementing effective and widespread CMSs at the Federal, State, and local levels. Seven guidelines are listed for an ideal community monitoring system. First, it provides the community with accurate estimates of well-being for the entire population of children and adolescents. Second, it encourages widespread participation of community members in the design, maintenance, and use of the system. Third, it identifies and assesses key predictors of well-being that research shows are important. Fourth, it uses all available data. Fifth, it generates information for decisionmakers and community members that is easily understood and readily useable to answer specific questions. Sixth, it provides timely data about trends in well-being and in risk and protective factors that predict youth outcomes. Finally, it guides priority-setting and decisionmaking regarding the choice of programs, policies, and procedures for improving youth well-being. 19 references