Appendix F: Data Sources and Data Elements

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Child Welfare Outcomes and Measures

Context Data

DATA ITEMS	DATA SOURCES AND ELEMENTS
Section A. Key Context Statistics
Total Children Under 18 years	U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census
Child Population in Poverty	U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census
Child Population Living in Metropolitan Areas	U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census
Child Maltreatment Victims	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Sum of Item 3.2 A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment or Risk of Maltreatment was Substantiated, and Item 3.2 B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 21, 23, 25, 27, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Sum of Item 3.1A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Substantiated; 3.1B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated; and 3.1C, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Given an Alternative Response that Identified Child Victim(s). For 2001-2002, there are two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Sum of Item 3.1A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Substantiated; 3.1B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated; and 3.1C, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Given an Alternative Response that Identified Child Victim(s).
Childred in Foster Care On 9/30 (End of FY)	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Childrens Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database.
Child Adopted	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Childrens Bureau AFCARS Annual Adoption Data:Element 4, State Involvement
Section B. Maltreatment Data
Children Subject of an Investigated Report Alleging Child Maltreatment	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Item 3.2, Children Subject of a CPS Investigation or Assessment by Disposition Pertaining to the Child. For 2000, there were three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Elements 21, 23, 25, 27, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Item 3.1, Children Subject of a CPS Investigation or Assessment by Disposition. For 2001-2002, there were two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Item 3.1, Children Subject of a CPS Investigation or Assessment by Disposition.
Child Maltreatment Victims	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Sum of Item 3.2A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment or Risk of Maltreatment was Substantiated; and Item 3.2B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated. For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 21, 23, 25, 27, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Sum of Item 3.1A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Substantiated; 3.1B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated; and 3.1C, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Given an Alternative Response that Identified Child Victim(s). For 2001-2002, there were two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Elements 27, 29, 31, 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Sum of Item 3.1A, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Substantiated; 3.1B, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Indicated; and 3.1C, Children for Whom the Allegation of Maltreatment was Given an Alternative Response that Identified Child Victim(s).
Child Fatalities	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999 the data source was NCANDS Summary Data Component: Item 5.1, Child Victims Who Died as a Result of Maltreatment. For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Element 34, Maltreatment Death; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 28, Maltreatment Death; (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Item 5.1, Child Victims who Died as a Result of Maltreatment. For 2001-2002, there are two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Element 34, Maltreatment Death; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Item 5.1, Child Victims who Died as a Result of Maltreatment.
Age of Child Victims	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Item 4.2, Child Victims by Age For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Element 12, Child Age at Report, or a combination of Element 6, Report Date and Element 13, Child Date of Birth; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 11, Child Age at Report, or a combination of Element 6, Report Date and Element 12, Child Date of Birth; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Item 4.2, Child Victims By Age. For 2001-2002, there are two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Element 12, Child Age at Report, or a combination of Element 6, Report Date and Element 13, Child Date of Birth; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Item 4.2, Child Victims By Age.
Race/Ethnicity of Child Victims	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Item 4.4, Child Victims by Hispanic or Latino Ethnicity; and Item 4.5, Child Victims by Race. For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Elements 15 through 20, Child Race, and Element 21, Child Ethnicity; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 14, Child Race, and Element 15, Child Ethnicity; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Item 4.4, Child Victims by Hispanic or Latino Ethnicity, and Item 4.5, Child Victims by Race. For 2001-2002, there are two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Elements 15 through 20, Child Race, and Element 21, Child Ethnicity; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Item 4.4, Child Victims by Hispanic or Latino Ethnicity, and Item 4.5, Child Victims by Race.
Maltreatment Type of Child Victims	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999, the data source was NCANDS SDC: Item 4.1, Child Victims by Type of Maltreatment. For 2000, there are three possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Elements 26 through 33, Maltreatment Type, Maltreatment Disposition Level; (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Elements 20 through 27, Maltreatment Type, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (3) NCANDS SDC, 2000: Item 4.1, Child Victims by Type of Maltreatment. For 2001, there are two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File: Elements 26 through 33, Maltreatment Type, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (2) NCANDS SDC: Item 4.1, Child Victims by Type of Maltreatment.
Section D. Children Waiting to be Adopted on 9/30 (End of Fiscal Year)
Children Waiting to be Adopted	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 35, Death of Parent; Element 43, Most Recent Case Plan Goal; Element 47, Date of Mother’s Termination of Parental Rights; and Element 48, Date of Father’s Termination of Parental Rights.
Children Whose Parents' Right Have Benn Terminated	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 35, Death of Parent; Element 47, Date of Mother’s Termination of Parental Rights; and Element 48, Date of Father’s Termination of Parental Rights.
Age of Waiting Children	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 35, Death of Parent; Element 43, Most Recent Case Plan Goal; Element 47, Date of Mother’s Termination of Parental Rights; Element 48, Date of Father’s Termination of Parental Rights.
Race/Ethnicity of Waiting Children	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 8, Race; and Element 9, Hispanic Origin; Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 35, Death of Parent; Element 43, Most Recent Case Plan Goal; Element 47, Date of Mother’s Termination of Parental Rights; Element 48, Date of Father’s Termination of Parental Rights.
Race/Ethnicity of Waiting Children	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 8, Race; and Element 9, Hispanic Origin; Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 35, Death of Parent; Element 43, Most Recent Case Plan Goal; Element 47, Date of Mother’s Termination of Parental Rights; Element 48, Date of Father’s Termination of Parental Rights.
Section E. Children Adopted (AFCARS Annual Adoption Database
Age of Children Adopted	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Adoption Database: Element 4, State Involvement; and Element 5, Child’s Date of Birth.
Race/Ethnicity of Children Adopted	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Adoption Database: Element 4, State Involvement; Element 7, Race; and Element 8, Hispanic Origin.

Outcomes Data

CHILD WELFARE OUTCOME MEASURES	DATA SOURCES AND ELEMENTS
Outcome 1. Reduce Recurrence of Child Abuse and/or NEglect (NCANDS,DCDC)
1.1 Recurrence of Maltreatment	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau For 1999 (unless a State submitted revised data) the data source was NCANDS Detailed Care Data Component: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; Element 6, Report Date; and Element 8, Report Disposition. For 2000 there were two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File, 2000: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; Element 6, Report Date; and Elements 27, 29, 31, and 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level; or (2) NCANDS DCDC, 2000: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; Element 6, Report Date; and Elements 21, 23, 25, and 27, Maltreatment Disposition Level. For 2001-2002, the data source was: (1) NCANDS Child File: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; Element 6, Report Date; and Elements 27, 29, 31, and 33, Maltreatment Disposition Level.
Outcome 2. Reduce the Incidence of Child Abuse and/or Neglect in Foster Care
2.1 Maltreatment In Foster Care	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database, Element 21, Date of Latest Removal, and Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care For 1999 the data source was NCANDS DCDC: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; Elements 80, 93, and 106, Perpetrator Relationship. For 2000 there were two possible data sources: (1) NCANDS Child File 2000: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; and Elements 89, 108, and 127, Perpetrator Relationship; or (2) NCANDS DCDC 2000: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID, Elements 80, 93, and 106, Perpetrator Relationship. For 2001-2002 the data source was: (1) NCANDS Child File: Element 3, Report ID; Element 4, Child ID; and Elements 89, 108, and 127, Perpetrator Relationship.
Outcome 3. Increase Permanency for Children in Foster Care
3.1 Exits from Foster Care	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge
3.2 Exits of Disabled Children	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 10, Child Diagnosed with Disabilities; Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge
3.3 Exits of Children Age 12 or Older at entry	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge.
3.4 Exits to Emancipation	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge.
3.5 Exits by Race/Ethnicity	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 8, Race; Element 9, Hispanic Origin; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge.
Outcome 4. Reduce Time to Reunification Without Increasing Re-entry
4.1 Time to Reunification	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge.
4.2 Children Who Entered Foster Care During Fiscal Year	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 19, Total Number of Removals; Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; and Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care.
Outcome 5. Reduce Time in Foster Care to Adoption
5.1 Time to Adoption	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care; and Element 58, Reasons for Discharge.
Outcome 6. Increase Placement Stability
6.1 Number of Placements by Time in Care	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; Element 24, Number of Previous Settings in Episode; and Element 56, Date of Discharge from Foster Care.
Outcome 7. Reduce Placements of Young Children in Group Homes or Institutions
7.1 Placement Settings of Children Age 12 or Younger Who Entered Care During FY	U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ACF/ACYF, Children’s Bureau AFCARS Annual Foster Care Database: Element 6, Date of Birth; Element 21, Date of Latest Removal; Element 23, Placement Date in Current Setting; Element 41, Current Placement Setting.

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