Policymakers can help ensure that the necessary financial resources are available to establish and maintain the interagency information-sharing program and that the policies and approaches chosen to support the system are having their intended effect. Finally, a policy issue that should be considered by those at both the State and local levels who are interested in information sharing is how agencies can use the system to prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency. Demonstrating the system's potential or actual effectiveness in dealing with at-risk and offending juveniles will help to earn the support of community members and potential agency participants in the program. Appoint an Information Management Committee composed of representatives from every agency in the juvenile justice system and funding agency officials, legislative staff, management information system experts, community representatives, child welfare agents, and parents. Determine the information collected and maintained by all the agencies.
Evaluate information needs.
Evaluate agency goals and identify those that are overlapping. Clarify reasons to share information. Identify what specific information is to be shared and who needs access to each item of information. Determine statutory record requirements about information collection and dissemination mandated by Federal, State, and local governments. Determine exceptions to statutory requirements.