Alabama's Public Liberal Arts University

Carmichael Library

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Class Handouts ~ SWK420/Dr. Hitchcock

 

The library research component of SWK420 teaches the skills necessary to locate and access appropriate data to complete your community assignment. 

Students enrolled in SWK420 are expected to successfully complete a community assessment using data about the community, target population and resources in the community for the target population using appropriate, authoritative and timely sources of information       

For further assistance with locating resources and data, contact Mrs. Kathy Lowe, Reference and Instruction Librarian at 665-6109 or lowek@montevallo.edu for additional assistance

 

Kids Count Data Center
The Annie B. Casey Foundation provide access to hundreds of measures of child well-being

Examples of Social Indicators from Kids Count
    Children seventeen and below without health insurance
    Children in poverty
    Per cent of children with asthma problems

 

National data

Statistical Abstract of the United States
The "National Data Book" contains statistics on social and economic conditions in the United States. This resource is available in print and online. There is a "Summary Statistics" section which provides access to USA Statistics in Brief, Historical Statistics including population, immigration, financial, and health data for as far back as 1900, and State Rankings for various topics including population, income and employment.

FedStats
Fedstats is a gateway to statistics from over 100 U.S. Federal agencies. It provides official statistical information collected by the Federal Government. This site provides links to data as well as the agencies that collect and disseminate the data. Data includes economic, healthcare, education, crime, foreign trade, and energy use. Searchable by topic or federal agency.

Newsroom of United States Census Bureau
Up to the minute news, data and broadcasts from the Census Department

United States Census Bureau
Primary source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data. 

Alabama data

United States Census Bureau
Limit to Alabama data

University of Alabama, Center for Business and Economic Research

Alabama Center for Health Statistics

Alabama Department of Labor Information

Target Population : Children

Child Welfare Resources

National Center for Children in Poverty
The National Center for Children in Poverty (NCCP) is the nation’s leading public policy center dedicated to promoting the economic security, health, and well-being of America’s low-income families and children. NCCP uses research to inform policy and practice with the goal of ensuring positive outcomes for the next generation. We promote family-oriented solutions at the state and national levels

Child Trends Databank
Data comes from Federal reports and web sites.

Children's Defense Fund
The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization. .

Childstats.gov
The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics (Forum) is a collection of 22 Federal government agencies involved in research and activities related to children and families. The Forum was founded in 1994 and formally established in April 1997 under Executive Order No. 13045. The mission of the Forum is to foster coordination and collaboration and to enhance and improve consistency in the collection and reporting of Federal data on children and families. The Forum also aims to improve the reporting and dissemination of information on the status of children and families.

America's Children: Key National Indicators of Child Well-being, 2009

National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
 

School District Demographics System
The School District Demographics site is related to the access and use of school district demographic information. The site's purpose is to provide access to information about demographics, social characteristics, and economics of children and school districts from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education.

National School Lunch Program
 

Alabama Child Welfare Statistics

Alabama Department of Education: Child Nutrition (contacts)

VOICES for Alabama's Children
Includes Alabama Kids Count Databook 2008

Alabama Department of Human Resources
Detailed Monthly Statistical Reporting for DHR Services

Alabama Department of Public Health All Kids Health Insurance

Alabama Department of Public Health
Health Statistics 

Alabama Community Resources

Camellia: State of Alabama Health and Human Resources  Information tool

Alabama.gov Official State Portal

United Way of Central Alabama Community Resource Directory

United Way of South West Alabama

United Way of West Alabama

Alabama Guide to Family and Community Services: Revealing hidden resources and service for 67 counties.
Ref. HV 40 .R53 2009 (located on Main floor in the Reference Collection)

Community Resource Directory 2009.  United Way of Central Alabama.
Ref. HV 98.A2 C6 2009 (located on the Main floor in the Reference Collection)

Additional Links 

Social Work Research Guide

Compiled by Kathleen Lowe MLS