A Practical Guide to Analytics for Governments

CHAPTER 2Child Well-Being

Will Jones

INTRODUCTION

I often get asked the question by friends and colleagues of why I decided to leave the human services industry to work for an analytics software and solutions company. Interestingly enough, this is not a question that causes me to pause and reflect upon my 23 years of human services work in both the public and private sectors in which I have seen a lot of positive change and improved outcomes in many areas. On the other hand, I have seen little or no change in many areas despite significant advancements in research, science, and technology. In a word, my answer is impact. I have been extremely fortunate to witness how data utilization can change the trajectory of how both private and public human services organizations can actually stop being simply reactive, and begin to take an innovative, proactive approach to help solve complex problems. I actually believe in my core that I never left human services, but have simply taken a position that will allow me to have both a deeper and wider impact on the number of at-risk children and families as I work to educate those influencing and working in state and local government human services to approach problems and solutions differently. Unfortunately, government often finds it difficult to introduce and embrace change and innovation despite the potential positive impact.¹

Children in America are still struggling to enjoy the quality of life they deserve, and many are suffering. Twenty-two ...