NCANDS Child File Codebook

The Child File data submission contains case-level data. States submit case-level data by constructing an electronic file of child-specific records for each report of alleged child abuse and neglect that received a CPS response. Only completed reports that resulted in a disposition (finding) during the reporting year are submitted in each state’s data file. The Child File is supplemented by agency-level aggregate statistics in a separate data submission called the Agency File. States are asked to submit both the Child File and the Agency File each year. This codebook shows the data elements included in a Child File submission, along with definitions, values, and technical guidance provided to states.