Using IECAM Data for IDHS FY2023 Home Visiting Grant Applications
After conversations with IDHS, we have jointly agreed that IECAM should provide the following guidance:
- For organizations seeking to find the number of home visiting slots in their geographic area, the IECAM Regional Reports include county-level data on the estimated number of home visiting slots (see the Home Visiting tab).
- For organizations seeking to find the estimated number of eligible families, the IECAM Regional Reports also include county-level data on the number of children living in families with incomes at or below various federal poverty levels (FPLs) (see the Demographics tab). Poverty level data are used for a variety of purposes by different entities and no single level is uniformly used by home visiting program models. For this application, IDHS suggests applicants use the FPL level that aligns with their organization’s precedent, or that they feel most accurately describes their community needs. For example, the number of children at or below 185% FPL or 200% FPL is commonly used to generate an estimate of community need. What is important is that the choice is defined and explained in the NOFO application.
- For compiling and/or mapping service area or other sub-county data, IECAM recommends using zip codes. This will allow users to build their service area to include cross-county or municipality boundary areas.
- Although IECAM does not use the term “families” in its headings, the phrase “number of children” denotes a child within the context of a family unit. Applicants can use the number of children at various poverty levels as a substitute for the number of families or households.
Finally, applicants should take care to document and explain their methods (what metrics and why).
Please contact IECAM if you need assistance in navigating the regional reports.
