Florida Using Predictive Analytics To Reduce Child Fatalities

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is using predictive analytics to reduce child fatalities in the state caused by abuse and neglect. DCF used predictive analytics software developed by the SAS Institute Advanced Analytics Lab to conduct a baseline analysis to identify the leading causes and risk factors of preventable child death in Florida over the past five years, from January 2007 through June 2013. The results were released in January 2014, and following completion of the baseline analysis, DCF began restructuring its child protective services (CPS) practice and decision making approach to focus on risk factors and . . .