How to Build a Collaborative Approach to Data Sharing

Download the full report here: How to Build a Collaborative Approach to Data Sharing (PDF) Authors Emilie Bassi, Research & Policy Associate Kayla Blackadar, Research & Policy Associate Rachel Carr, Manager, Strategic Initiatives Kiran Gurm, Senior Research & Policy Associate The social sector often struggles to collaborate and share information in ways that directly support youth. This is because many social service agencies, shelters, and government programs operate in silos. These divisions make it hard to follow a young person’s journey through the system. It also makes it difficult to ensure they receive consistent, coordinated care. Organizations that do engage in data sharing often take different approaches. It all depends on their capacity, policies, and comfort with information-sharing practices. These various methods can hamper connecting and coordinating data to improve prevention outcomes. The consequences of not sharing and connecting information can be significant. Youth may need to repeat their stories to many different providers. This can be retraumatizing and exhausting for them. Lack of data sharing may also result in service gaps, repeated assessments, and uneven care for youth. A connected, collaborative system can reduce the risk of youth homelessness. Data collaboration enables responsible information sharing that can lead to informed referrals, streamlined access to resources, and reduced duplication. It can also help identify at-risk youth earlier, improving support and prevention efforts. This report is for anyone in the social sector interested in improving collaboration and access to services through better data and information sharing. Whether you are beginning to explore this topic or are already working within a collaborative framework, this report can help you spark meaningful conversations. We hope it encourages innovation, helps organizations to work together more effectively, and improves outcomes for young people.