The following are sample questions that you may want to ask staff at local education, health, social service, or law enforcement agencies as you search for information to inform your prevention initiative. Keep in mind that this is not a scripted interview. Please tailor these questions to your own needs and circumstances.

Before you begin, make sure to explain why you are collecting this information and how it will be used.

1. Do you have available data on (insert target population and indicators of interest)?

2. Are you the person most familiar with these data? [If not] With whom should I speak?

3. When did you begin collecting these data? How often are these data collected? When were the most recent data collected?

4. How were the data collected (e.g., pencil-and-paper survey, phone interview, face-to-face interview)?

5. Have the data been summarized?

   If yes:

   • Are reports available?

   • How can these reports be obtained? What do they cost?

   If no:

   • Are the data available for public review?^*

   • Can the data be manipulated to isolate information about (insert target population and indicators of interest)?

   • Do you store your data on paper or the computer?

   • How can I arrange to access the files?

   • Is there someone on staff who can help me work with the data?

6. Does your agency report these data to a state and/or national agency? If so which one(s)?

^*For information about confidentiality issues, visit the U.S. Department of Education Protection of Human Subjects, Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, and Family Education, Rights, and Privacy Amendment.