Are there instructions for how to use the online Data Book?

Yes.  The Dashboard Overview located in the Quick Start Guide explains the layout and function of the Dashboards.

How can I find charts/data for previously published Data Book pages?

Use the Print-to-Online Crosswalk or search by topic in the left navigation pane.

Where can I find definitions for some of the terminology used?

In the Glossary found in the APS and CPS program sections.

Where are the footnotes?

Hover over the Information button, which is a white “i” inside a blue circle located in the upper left corner of each dashboard.  The text will freeze, if you click on it, allowing you to copy and paste it to your own document.

I’m using Internet Explorer and I’m having problems viewing the Data Book. Is there a different browser I should use?

We recommend the latest version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari or any other major browser instead.

Does the online Data Book contain child fatality information for each program area? If so, where can I go to find it?

Yes, child fatality data is included in the Office of Child Safety section of the Data Book. For more information, check out the Office of Child Safety’s web pages under Prevention and Early Intervention on the DFPS public website.

Can I download a PDF of a certain page in the Data Book?

Yes. Click “Download” in the Tableau banner at the bottom of the visualization. Select “PDF” and “This Dashboard” and hit “Download.” The PDF will only print what is visible on the screen.

Can I download an Excel Spreadsheet of Data Book data sets?

Yes. Most of the data sets can be found in the DFPS section of the Texas Open Data Portal.

How do I use the Texas Open Data Portal to find a particular data set?

Link to it from the chart you are on (Texas Open Data Portal) and type key words into the search box. For example, if you are looking for Regional Counts of Exits from Conservatorship, you can search for “exits” or “exits region”. Then find the variation of the report you want. It can be downloaded as an Excel file by clicking on the download button and selecting “CSV for Excel.”

Do I need permission to use this data in a report for work/school or a newspaper article?

No. Please use the statistics carefully, and cite your source.

Where can I get a printed copy of the 2016 or 2017 Data Book?

The last printed version of the DFPS Data Book was for Fiscal Year 2015. Since Fiscal 2016, the data has been published online. The online version includes more data, allows drill-downs to the county level and even demographics on some data sets.

Who do I contact if I have any other questions about the Data Book?

You may email your questions to DFPS Interactive Databook.