NYC School of Data 2026

How can data both illuminate and obscure reality? In this interactive session, attorney and community advocate Shivani Parikh offers a critical look at NYC’s child welfare datasets, particularly the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) demographic data and explores how racial aggregation obscures the lived experiences of South Asian American families. Participants will learn how Asian American children appear at key stages of the child welfare system and why the absence of disaggregated South Asian data has real consequences for families navigating investigations, foster care, and termination of parental rights proceedings.

This event blends data literacy with community context. Shivani will share insights from her culturally responsive family defense guide, highlighting how open data can support ethical policymaking, culturally responsive court reforms, and Know Your Rights education for immigrant parents. Participants can expect a data-informed presentation followed by a facilitated discussion in which attendees will reflect on how to responsibly interpret child welfare data and advocate for greater transparency.

Ideal for civic technologists, policymakers, legal advocates, researchers, and community organizers, this session invites participants to rethink the role of open data in shaping public narratives and policy outcomes. No technical background is required, just curiosity about how data equity can strengthen accountability and protect families!