Skip to main content
. 2020 Jul 26;10(7):e034895. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034895

Table 2.

Child protection services variables

Variable Definition
Length of episode of care Episode of care refers to the time that a child is in care of CPS; if a child leaves CPS care and then re-enters within 7 days, it is considered one episode.
Number of episodes The number of episodes of care during a specified follow-up period. Each episode is at least 1 day long, and episodes of care are at least 7 days apart.
Placement type The type of care in which the child was placed:

  •  Foster home

  •  Foster home—specialised

  •  Foster home—group home

  •  Kinship care

  •  Place of safety

  •  Adoption probation

  •  Unknown

Legal status Legal standing of the child with regard to their community:

  •  Temporary ward

  •  Permanent ward

  •  Apprehension

  •  Voluntary placement agreement

  •  Petition filed for further order

  •  Missing

Reason for admission Reason for the child entering care of CPS:

  •  Abandonment

  •  Desertion

  •  Conditions of child

  •  Conditions of parents

  •  Conduct of child

  •  Conduct of parents

  •  Voluntary relinquishment

  •  Transfer supervision

Support beyond termination of guardianship An agency continues to provide care and maintenance for a former permanent ward for the purpose of assisting the ward to complete the transition to independence, between the ages of 18 and 21 years.
Received services A family receives protection or support services from CPS, but the child remains in their home of origin. These services are provided to resolve family matters, and may include counselling, guidance, support, education and emergency shelter services.

CPS, child protection services.