The State of Families Project: Data Sources for Professionals Studying Families in Ohio

Families are dynamic and influenced by a complex web of social, economic, and environmental factors. “Families and the factors that influence them are constantly evolving and thus, continually requiring ongoing meaning-making for both the families and those who study them.” This report offers a curated snapshot of data sources relevant to family research and service in Ohio. It is designed for use by community-serving agencies, nonprofits, family life educators, social workers, mental health professionals, family life scientists, and policymakers. While Ohio-specific, many of the sources highlighted have national counterparts or utilize federal data valuable across states. The report is not exhaustive but reflects a selective compilation based on the authors’ expertise across key focus areas: child care, education, workforce development, health and wellness, nutrition, housing, and mental health. The organizations included were selected based on relevance, geographic representation, data quality, accessibility, and ethical standards. Profiles summarize each organization’s focus, research methods, data sources, and impact. This resource serves as a practical starting point for professionals seeking to understand and support diverse family systems through data-informed practices and policies.