Introduction
NSCAW is a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of children and families who came in contact with the child welfare system (CWS). The goal of the study is to provide information on a range of fundamental questions about the outcomes of children involved with the CWS. The study also provides insight on the interplay between the characteristics of children and families, their experiences with the CWS, service needs and receipt, and well-being outcomes. Well-being outcomes include physical and mental health, child development, social functioning, academic achievement, and behavioral adjustment.
The study is sponsored by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation (OPRE), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). NSCAW III is currently authorized by Social Security Act § 429 [42 U.S.C. 628b].
NSCAW III baseline data collection began in November 2017 and was completed in March 2022. An in-person Wave 2 follow-up of respondents who completed the baseline wave began in the fall 2019. The children who participated in the survey were 3 months to 17.9 years old at baseline and ranged from 18 months to 23.5 years old at Wave 2.
This report includes a set of tables presenting descriptive information about the characteristics of children and caregivers who participated in the NSCAW III Wave 2 follow-up.
NSCAW III data are archived at the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN) .
Purpose
The purpose of this technical report is to provide descriptive information about the children and caregivers who participated in the Wave 2 follow-up data collection. This technical report offers valuable insights to inform policies and practices aimed at better supporting the well-being of children and families involved with the child welfare system.
Key Findings and Highlights
The series of tables in this report present descriptive analyses based on data provided by children, youth, young adults, and caregivers who participated in the Wave 2 follow-up. Tables provide information on the following topics:
Characteristics and Experiences of Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Demographics of Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Conditions and Physical Health of Children and Youth
- Conditions and Physical Health of Young Adults
- Mental Health of Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Insurance for Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Services Received by Children and Youth
- Services Received by Young Adults
- Contextual Factors Related to Children, Youth, and Young Adults
- Dating Violence Among Young Adults
Methods
NSCAW III includes 3,298 children ranging in age from 0 to 17.5 years at the time of sampling in 61 counties and 17 states. There were two data collection waves (i.e., baseline and Wave 2 follow-up). Children were sampled from child welfare investigations closed between July 2017 and September 2021. NSCAW III baseline data collection began in November 2017 and was completed in March 2022. Baseline interviews were completed with 3,180 caregivers, 2,213 children, and 2,156 caseworkers.
An in-person Wave 2 follow-up of respondents who completed the baseline wave began in the fall 2019. Shortened instruments were developed to allow for remote interview administration via telephone and online. Remote data collection for Wave 2 began in December 2021 and was completed in February 2024. Wave 2 follow-up interviews were completed with 1,859 caregivers, 2,036 children (ages 11-17), 389 young adults (ages 18-23), and 612 caseworkers.
The descriptive analyses in the data tables present nationally representative estimates of all children in the United States, ages 0 to 17.5 years, who had CWS contact (via a child maltreatment investigation or who entered the child welfare system via an alternative pathway), regardless of the outcome of the investigation.
Citation
Kluckman, M., Smith, K., Dolan, M., Elgin, D., and Ringeisen, H. (2025). NSCAW III Wave 2 Technical Tables. OPRE Report 2025-076. Washington, DC: Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.