The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) is a critical federally sponsored data collection system that compiles detailed information about child abuse and neglect cases across the United States. Established in response to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) of 1988, NCANDS functions as a voluntary partnership between the federal government and state child protective services (CPS) agencies. It collects and analyzes data from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to monitor and understand trends in child maltreatment nationwide.
Purpose and Functionality
NCANDS was created to fulfill the mandate of the 1988 CAPTA amendments, which required the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop a national system for collecting and analyzing state-level data on child abuse and neglect. By maintaining high standards of data quality and consistency nationwide, NCANDS provides a comprehensive overview of child maltreatment cases reported to CPS agencies.
What Data is Collected?
When a referral is made to a CPS agency, it undergoes a screening process:
- Screened-In Referrals: Accepted for further response and become formal reports.
- Screened-Out Referrals: Rejected and do not proceed to further action.
Screened-in referrals typically lead to:
- Investigation: To determine if the child has been abused or is at risk of abuse, and if intervention is necessary.
- Alternative Response: Focuses on addressing family needs without making a formal determination of maltreatment.
NCANDS collects comprehensive data on all children who receive a CPS response, including:
- Characteristics of Screened-In Referrals: Details about the nature and circumstances of the reports.
- Information about the Children: Demographics and relevant details about the children involved.
- Types of Maltreatment: Specific forms of abuse or neglect reported.
- Outcomes of CPS Responses: Results of investigations or alternative responses.
- Risk Factors: Factors that may increase risk for the child or challenges faced by caregivers.
- Services Provided: Types of services offered due to the CPS response.
- Details about Perpetrators: Information about those responsible for the maltreatment.
Data Collection Process
Data is collected annually through a structured process involving two main components:
- The Child File: Detailed case-level data on each report that receives a CPS response, offering a granular view of individual cases.
- The Agency File: Aggregate data reflecting broader trends and resources, such as prevention services and workforce data.
Federal-State Partnership
A key aspect of NCANDS is its collaborative nature. Each state designates a NCANDS contact who works closely with the Children’s Bureau and the NCANDS Technical Team to ensure data submissions meet required standards. Regular webinars, technical bulletins, and meetings facilitate communication and support, helping states maintain the quality and accuracy of their data.
Who Reported Child Maltreatment?
In 2019, 68.6% of reports alleging child abuse and neglect came from professionals who encountered the child as part of their job. These professionals include teachers, police officers, lawyers, and social services staff. The largest sources of reports were education personnel (21%), legal and law enforcement personnel (19.1%), and social services personnel (11%). Nonprofessionals, such as friends, neighbors, and relatives, made up 15.7% of reports. The remaining 15.7% of reports came from unclassified sources, including anonymous, "other," and unknown sources.
Uses of NCANDS Data
NCANDS data serves as the foundation for various reports and analyses that inform policy and practice in child welfare. Notably, NCANDS data is used in the Child Welfare Outcomes Reports to Congress, the Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSRs), and the annual Child Maltreatment reports. These resources provide essential insights for policymakers, researchers, and child welfare professionals.
Access and Research Applications
NCANDS data is available to researchers through the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN) at Cornell University. This archive supports scholarly exchange and research by providing access to datasets for secondary analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of child maltreatment and informing evidence-based practices.
