Data hurdles hamper efforts to improve child protection in the Virgin Islands

According to Ms. James, data from multiple sources is more easily accessible on the mainland through channels such as the American Community Survey, but such extensive data collection is “not available locally.” The University of the Virgin Islands conducts the Virgin Islands Community Survey, but the most recent data from the survey was collected nearly a decade ago, in 2015.

As a result, Ms. James reported, “detailed current demographic data, including child counts and poverty status, were not available for publication in any of the three Kids Count Data Books.” Undeterred, the St. Croix Foundation team said it continues to “work directly with private and public entities to collect information about the children of the Virgin Islands.” That includes signing a memorandum of understanding with nine entities to ensure easier access to databases.

“One benefit of our direct data collection approach is that it has created the opportunity to look for more nuanced indicators and produce compelling and community-focused data books with targeted data,” explained Ms. James.

Despite efforts to reduce barriers to accessing relevant data, the St. Croix Foundation faces another challenge: standardizing the data it collects. “Different departments and agencies collect data in different ways, making it difficult to compare and analyze data across local government departments,” Ms. James told lawmakers. Within the same agency, data collection methods sometimes differ between the two districts, “making comparisons across our islands difficult.” The SCF president also lamented the apparent “lack of investment in staff and training on data collection and analysis.”

Reliable and accessible data is also hampered by “lack of access to high-speed internet connections, lack of funding for technology and human resources, the instability of our electricity grid and continued reliance on paper-based records,” Ms. James said. In addition, “geographical, economic and political factors have complicated the Territory's ability to build and maintain comprehensive and robust data systems.”

Nevertheless, the organization remains true to its cause and calls on lawmakers to [obstacles] is imperative to enable all Kids Count partners to unite around a common, data-driven mission to support children.”

‌With a team of just six people, the St. Croix Foundation continues to work tirelessly to produce what Ms. James describes as “the Territory’s only comprehensive data collection on child welfare.” Aware that the data presented in the report “will help secure critical funding for the Virgin Islands,” Ms. James has asked lawmakers for funds to continue her work. “I have been at the helm for 10 years and I have never sat before the legislature and asked for money,” she reminded lawmakers.

“The total cost exceeds $200,000 per year. The St. Croix Foundation has covered the majority of the costs,” she noted. Additional funding, she says, “will help the Kids Count team continue to develop more user-friendly, interactive data products for policymakers, nonprofits and the community.”