Indicators can help describe changes over time, identify benchmarks and progress in relation to goals as well as reflect the status of children and families. Using the Touchstones framework, KWIC's indicators are organized by six major life areas. Each life area has a set of goals and objectives—representing expectations about the future. Definitions, significance and recent findings are provided for each indicator.

Understanding the story behind the indicator—its purpose, definition and significance and understanding data —contributes to the accurate and effective interpretation of indicators.

KWIC offers numerous formats for accessing and displaying indicators, including pre-defined and custom reports. Data are presented for 65 regions: New York State, New York City, Rest of State (NYS minus NYC) and each of New York State's 62 counties.