September 23, 2026

Programs and Data

Programs and Data

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How Information Supports Our Programs

Each program collects information for its own purpose. The consent information explains how required service information differs from optional research or storytelling participation.

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CA Kin Accelerator

The CA Kin Accelerator works with counties, partners, and people with lived experience to strengthen kinship practices.

Data we collect:
  • Information shared by county staff, partners, and lived experience contributors, including survey responses and feedback about current practices and barriers.
How we use your information:
  • We use this information to identify barriers, strengthen kinship practices, and assess implementation. Survey findings may be reported in aggregate.

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CARE Framework

The CARE Framework helps Think of Us present and use data about children, youth, and families with context, lived experience, and clear next steps. CARE stands for Context, Analysis, Relevance, and Engagement.

Data we collect:
  • Information may include program findings, survey and interview responses, and insights shared by people with lived experience.
  • When we invite feedback or participation in a CARE discussion, we may collect the responses people choose to share and contact information needed for follow-up.
How we use your information:
  • We use this information to explain what the data shows, consider the experiences and systems behind it, and identify actions with communities and partners. We aim to present findings in ways that protect privacy and respect the people represented.
  • Participation in a presentation, discussion, survey, or interview does not by itself give permission to identify someone publicly or share their personal story.

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ConnectMe

ConnectMe helps people find resources through self-service tools or support from a Care Navigator.

Data we collect:
  • Contact details, needs you describe, information you submit, Care Navigator communications, and records of how you use the service.
How we use your information:
  • We use this information to respond to requests, match people with resources, follow up, protect the service, and improve its quality.

*NOTE: Virtual Support Services (VSS) transitioned to ConnectMe on October 1, 2026. Data we collected: Information submitted through VSS requests, including contact details, stated needs, and communications related to support. How we used your information: We used this information to respond to requests and maintain records. Information from earlier requests remains subject to the notices and record keeping requirements that apply to those requests during the transition.

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Micro Cash Grants

Micro Cash Grants provide direct financial assistance to eligible participants.

Data we collect:
  • Application information needed to review a request and, for award recipients, information needed to process payment.
How we use your information:
  • We use this information to review applications, administer awards, and evaluate the program. Applying does not guarantee an award or mean that you have agreed to a separate interview or research study.

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Opt In

Opt In offers voluntary outreach and support to families after a screened-out hotline contact in participating jurisdictions.

Data we collect:
  • Information shared by families and authorized partners that helps us make contact, understand a family’s needs, and provide support.
How we use your information:
  • We use this information for voluntary outreach, navigation, and connection to resources.

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Surveys and Interviews

Surveys and interviews help us learn from people’s experiences and improve our programs.

Data we collect:
  • Responses and, when a person agrees, recordings or quotations. We may also collect contact information when needed to arrange participation or provide compensation.
How we use your information:
  • We use responses to understand experiences and improve programs. Each invitation explains what participation involves, whether compensation is offered, and how a person may be identified.