Data Philosophy
Data Ownership
At the core of Eccovia’s data management philosophy is the belief that data is not just information, but an extension of
the individual. Within this philosophy, the question of data ownership transcends mere legalities and delves into the
very essence of individual rights and autonomy. Eccovia firmly holds that acknowledging and upholding the rights of
both the individual to their data and the organization serving as its custodian is an inviolable principle.
The transformative potential of data is realized by establishing clear ownership and delineating the associated rights.
This serves a dual purpose: to nurture the well-being of each individual by ensuring that their data remains under
their control, and simultaneously enabling the extraction of collective insights and trends from aggregated data. In
this symbiotic relationship, the organization acts as a steward, entrusted with the responsibility to safeguard the
individual’s data while harnessing the power of data-driven insights to achieve greater outcomes.
Eccovia firmly holds that acknowledging
and upholding the rights of both
the individual to their data and the
organization serving as its custodian is an
inviolable principle.
Eccovia’s commitment to data ownership and individual agency informs every aspect of its practices, technologies,
and partnerships. By prioritizing the sanctity of data ownership, Eccovia not only empowers individuals with control
over their personal information, but also fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical data utilization.
This approach resonates with the larger narrative of data’s potential—enabling personalized care, informed decisionmaking, and societal progress through a balance between individual rights and the collective pursuit of knowledge.
Data Sovereignty
Over the last three decades of providing case management and solutions serving a diverse range of vulnerable
populations, Eccovia has developed an in-depth understanding of the importance of data sovereignty. Eccovia has
extensive experience working with Indigenous Americans and is honored to be a partner in supporting tribal data
sovereignty efforts. Through our longstanding collaboration with Indigenous American communities, we have
witnessed the importance of upholding their rights to control and govern their own data. We are committed to
continuing our work to empower Indigenous nations in managing their data, preserving their cultural heritage, and
fostering self-determination.
One of Eccovia’s foundational principals of data governance is the belief that data represents the digital manifestation
of the individual and collective; as such, data must be treated with the same respect as that directed to the person
and group. This includes recognition of the sovereign rights of those from whom data is collected. To Eccovia, data
sovereignty includes more than just ownership of the data—it includes the right to determine how data is used, who
can access it, and the stories told through the data. Ultimately, data sovereignty is about respecting the right to self-determination.
To Eccovia, data sovereignty includes
more than just ownership of the data—it
includes the right to determine how data
is used, who can access it, and the stories
told through the data.
As a key component of effective data governance, a well-defined understanding of data sovereignty ensures
technology is best positioned to support the collective needs of Native Americans, which include safeguarding
traditional knowledge, empowering community-driven decision-making, and fostering sustainable economic
development. By respecting and upholding the sovereign rights of Indigenous communities, technology can play a
vital role in strengthening their self-determination and promoting equity. Ultimately, this collaborative approach to
data sovereignty enhances the ability of technology to serve as a powerful tool for positive social change and inclusive
progress.
Data Justice
Eccovia’s philosophy of data justice is centered on the fair and equitable treatment of individuals and communities in
the collection, use, and management of data. Data is not neutral, and Eccovia recognizes that data collection, analysis,
and decision-making processes can and will impact groups differently; at the same time, it is only through the ethical
and careful use of data that true social change is possible. The right data dispels misconceptions and brings to light
the hard truths that communities must face to address systemic inequity.
The right data dispels misconceptions
and brings to light the hard truths that
communities must face to address
systemic inequity.
It also enables the services and interventions
needed to uplift marginalized populations, create targeted solutions, and foster evidence-based policies that promote
social justice and equal opportunities. In this way, data becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, advocacy, and
transformative change, guiding collective efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society. The challenge is in finding the right governance model that amplifies the voices of the disadvantaged and addresses
the unequal power dynamics present within communities.
Effective data governance policy includes careful
consideration for how data justice is represented throughout the system governed, including the use of technology,
data collection methodologies, privacy safeguards, data sharing agreements, and decision-making processes.
By integrating principles of data justice into the fabric of data governance, we can ensure that data practices prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and ethical use, leading to more equitable outcomes and fostering trust between data custodians, communities, and stakeholders.
Eccovia’s three decades of expertise working with marginalized populations, coupled with the extensive professional direct service experience of the Eccovia team, ensure a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities and our commitment to respecting their data sovereignty rights shape our approach to data management, technology utilization, and service delivery.
By integrating principles of data justice into the fabric of data governance, we can ensure that data practices prioritize fairness, inclusivity, and ethical use, leading to more equitable outcomes and fostering trust between data custodians, communities, and stakeholders.
Eccovia’s three decades of expertise working with marginalized populations, coupled with the extensive professional direct service experience of the Eccovia team, ensure a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities and our commitment to respecting their data sovereignty rights shape our approach to data management, technology utilization, and service delivery.
User Experience
The challenges facing the social and health services sector are growing, and resources are becoming more finite; at
the same time, the pace of change is becoming increasingly frenetic. With a strong governance structure in place,
one which centers the rights of the individual, technological innovation will meet the growing need and ensure that
service organizations are prepared for the challenges of today and in the future. Eccovia believes technology must be
accessible, intuitive, adaptive, and responsive to the needs of case workers and service providers, in order to meet the
needs of vulnerable populations. Eccovia embraces these values in its product philosophy and as guiding principles in
the development of its product ecosystem.
Eccovia views its clients as strategic partners and stakeholders and vital to
the continuous improvement mentality that guides the development of Eccovia’s products and services.
To Eccovia, making technology accessible means ensuring that all community contributors, regardless of visual impairment or other conditions, are able to participate. To that end, ClientTrack is 508 compliant. Being accessible also means availability where case management is happening. Eccovia’s products, including ClientTrack and ClientInsight, are mobile optimized and available wherever they’re needed.
To Eccovia, making technology accessible means ensuring that all community contributors, regardless of visual impairment or other conditions, are able to participate. To that end, ClientTrack is 508 compliant. Being accessible also means availability where case management is happening. Eccovia’s products, including ClientTrack and ClientInsight, are mobile optimized and available wherever they’re needed.
Eccovia believes technology must be
accessible, intuitive, adaptive, and
responsive to the needs of case workers
and service providers, in order to meet the
needs of vulnerable populations.
Intuitive technology is that which logically follows workflows and processes established by social service organizations
and the community they serve. The limited capacity and growing caseloads faced by social workers also requires
that social services technology have a low learning curve and is readily understandable and useable by non-technical
audiences.
Technology must also be adaptive to the ever-changing needs of the organization and community. ClientTrack’s Designer Toolset empowers communities and makes possible near limitless configurability to accommodate new programs, worklfows, assessments, reports, and the other data needs driving modern case management.
Finally, technology must be responsive. Eccovia believes that responsiveness includes features and capabilities that manage many of the rote tasks that detract from relationships with clients. ClientTrack and ClientInsight include a broad range of features intended to automate and manage tasks that sap caseworker capacity and impede the relationship building that is so critical to reaching outcomes.
Technology must also be adaptive to the ever-changing needs of the organization and community. ClientTrack’s Designer Toolset empowers communities and makes possible near limitless configurability to accommodate new programs, worklfows, assessments, reports, and the other data needs driving modern case management.
Finally, technology must be responsive. Eccovia believes that responsiveness includes features and capabilities that manage many of the rote tasks that detract from relationships with clients. ClientTrack and ClientInsight include a broad range of features intended to automate and manage tasks that sap caseworker capacity and impede the relationship building that is so critical to reaching outcomes.
