PPT Slide
IV. Insufficient data regarding services, costs, planning and the like impede the recognition of the scope of the problem and also any solutions that could be presented. Information and data sharing among state agencies is often hindered by regulations, policies, and even federal requirements. Without clear direction to overcome this problem, state agencies are unable to go beyond their own systems.
At the local level, the information issue may be easier to handle, but unless one agency is directed and funded to develop a database and maintain it, data will be largely anecdotal.