The Child Visibility Index: A Data-Driven Framework for Measuring Children's Presence in Public Policy and Administrative Systems

This working paper introduces the Child Visibility Index (CVI), a data-driven diagnostic framework designed to assess how public systems recognise and maintain contact with children and families before vulnerabilities escalate into crisis.

Drawing on 14 harmonised indicators, primarily from UNICEF MICS and DHS surveys, the paper outlines three dimensions — Recognition, Accessibility, and Continuity — and introduces a complementary country-level assessment to identify systemic gaps and opportunities for earlier preventive support.

Prepared for the Data for Policy 2026 Conference in Barcelona.