Our work and where it is headed.
To push for real improvements, we need a clear picture of reality. So we collect every piece of available data, monitor the decisions and work of the public sector, and systematically follow up on the promises governments make. We work closely with practitioners on the ground who know the system first-hand. On that foundation, we advocate for practical, necessary improvements for children.
Why this work exists.
Children's and youth issues in Iceland fall under dozens of institutions and service providers across many separate fields that are rarely examined together. They span healthcare and public health, mental health, substance-abuse treatment, child protection, municipal social services, the education system, sports and youth work, law enforcement and the courts, plus oversight bodies, ministries, research units, and nonprofit organizations.
Each of these fields has its own key metrics, its own chain of responsibility, and its own data. The result is that anyone looking for an overview often struggles to find consistent information.
This lack of consistent data can mean that policy and public debate rest on individual incidents rather than the full picture of the problem. The data usually exists somewhere in the system — what is missing is consolidation and access. Our goal is to meet that need. We believe that without a reliable base of data, both professional advocacy and focused policymaking for children simply lack a foundation.
Methodology and pillars.
Our work rests on five pillars that together form a complete approach to the field. All of our analysis and advocacy is grounded in verified data and a clear chain of responsibility.
Mapping
We map the institutions, service providers, public bodies, and nonprofits that work on children's and youth issues. The goal is a clear overview of who is responsible for what in the system — and this map will be published as an open reference on our website.
Data collection
We gather public data, reports, and statistics from the state, municipalities, researchers, and international institutions. This is a systematic consolidation of data with clear source attribution. Alongside it, we listen to the experience of practitioners in the field — it provides invaluable, deeper insight into how the system works in practice.
Monitoring and follow-up
We monitor government decisions, legislative changes, and budget allocations that affect children and youth. We keep track of the public commitments governments make and follow up firmly on whether approved projects are actually carried out.
Analysis and context
We analyze the data and place it in a wider context, including international comparison. That lets us highlight the system's strengths and weaknesses objectively, based on verified information.
Advocacy and communication
Building on that analysis, we present findings to government, practitioners, and the public. We submit formal consultation responses and take an active part in public debate.
Quality process and data reliability.
To ensure the quality and reliability of the information, all data goes through a formal review process before publication.
Verification
We make sure every piece of data has a traceable, public origin. The source is always recorded, and original data is never altered.
Classification
We classify the data systematically by topic, time period, and clearly stated underlying definitions.
Linking
To establish clear context, we connect the information to other relevant data, both Icelandic and international.
Registration
We enter all data into a central database, where each entry carries precise references to primary sources, timestamps, and accompanying notes.
Review
The organization's professional advisory council (fagráð) reviews all data before publication. If the data does not meet strict quality requirements, it is not published.
Our core rule is simple: everything we publish is built on documented, reviewed sources. And we welcome any feedback that makes our data collection better.
Planned publications and information sharing.
As the work scales up, we will introduce a range of outputs aimed at increasing transparency and supporting informed debate. This includes, but is not limited to:
Dashboard
An open, accessible information hub with key figures on the welfare of children and youth.
Annual report on the state of children
A recurring review of how children are actually doing within the main service systems (health, social services, education). It tracks year-over-year trends to assess whether things are improving.
End-of-term report
An objective, constructive review published at the end of each parliamentary term. It goes through the promises and policy goals set at the start and measures the outcomes against real data. The aim is to give both the public and the government a useful overview of progress and what was actually achieved over the term.
Policy tracker
Tracking and firm follow-up of official policy goals, promises, and statements by government.
Information services and API access
Accessible data and reliable sources to support careful, professional journalism. To make coverage of the field easier and deeper, we also offer journalists and researchers direct API access to our database.
Data literacy and countering misinformation
Active promotion of verified information to reduce misinformation and build a more trustworthy public debate.
Collaboration.
Children's and youth issues are a shared task for all of society. That is why we place real emphasis on constructive collaboration with institutions, practitioners, academia, and — not least — other nonprofits. We see other public-benefit organizations in this field as our most important allies, and we aim to support their work in a range of ways:
Matching volunteers
People who want to contribute to this field are a valuable resource. If we don't have a direct role for an interested volunteer at a given time, we help them find a place with another organization where their skills are put to good use (with their consent, of course).
Technical support and data sharing
We offer other organizations technical support, analysis, and direct access to our database to strengthen and support their own advocacy.
Joint advocacy and campaigns
We gladly take part in joint projects where our data and analysis can support or deepen the causes of other groups.
Advice on data gathering
We freely share our expertise in data collection, reviewing public records, and dealing with public administration — to strengthen the voice of the nonprofit sector as a whole.
Fundraising support
We share experience, tools, and connections that support other organizations' fundraising and grant applications — and we are building a shared fundraising system that we intend to give away free of charge.
By lifting each other up and pooling our knowledge and energy, we make sure children's voices are heard more clearly — and that demands for improvement are met with real action.