Leveraging ACF Administrative Data for Evidence and Research

This brief analyzes information on administrative data resources collected by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). It explores how the data can be leveraged to improve evidence and research on ACF programs and beneficiaries. Key highlights include:

• ACF offices collect and process data while administering programs that present opportunities to understand programs and their participants, as well as generate evidence of their effectiveness.
• Datasets vary in how they can be used in research, such as the inclusion of personally identifiable information and the ability to link with other data sources.
• Variability in dataset characteristics is largely due to differences in statutory and regulatory authority, as well as infrastructure for data collection.
• HHS is actively taking steps to expand the utility of administrative data for research and evaluation activities, keeping within statutory authority.

More information on administrative and survey data resources from the Administration for Children and Families can be found on our page on Leveraging ACF Administrative Data for Evidence and Research.