This document provides detailed information about each question in the required NCA Annual Statistics submission, and instructions for what data is relevant to each question. The Appendix contains detailed definitions of reporting/response options within each of the required questions.

NCA uses data from CACs’ statistics submissions to create an annual NCA Statistics Report. Data from this report is used to respond to Congressional inquiries, advocate for funding, track trends, and meet Department of Justice reporting requirements. The report is also a tool that CACs, Chapters, and other partners can use to inform decision making and educate stakeholders about the work of the field.

All Accredited, Associate/Developing and Satellite Members are required to submit a center/agency statistical report (NCA Report) to NCA annually to comply with membership requirements and to remain in good standing. Statistics are submitted in mid-January of each year in two batches: one submission for January-June service numbers from the previous year, and one for July-December of the previous year.

Source: National Children’s Alliance, Annual NCA Statistics Reporting: Required Datapoints and Definitions. Last updated August 2026.

Questions 1 – 12 pertain to cases addressed by CACs during the reporting period.

Here, “child victims” is defined as the number of unique, new cases/allegations in the reporting period. If a child is the alleged victim in more than one case/allegation, that child will appear more than once in the number of new referred children.

Here, “sex” refers to sex at birth, which is the designation that doctors ascribe to infants based on external genitalia and is recorded on birth records.

Reporting options are:

If more than one race/ethnicity applies, please select “Multiple races” for that child.

Reporting options are:

Reporting options are:

Offenders are individuals suspected and investigated in cases of abuse or alleged maltreatment.

The relationships reported are for the alleged offenders entered in question 6.

The total of all categories could be greater than the total for question 6 as a result of an offender having a different relationship with multiple victims. For example for one victim the offender could be the biological parent and for another victim in the case the offender could be the stepparent.

Response options:

The total of all categories should equal the total for question 6.

Reporting options:

The types of abuse are for alleged child victims referred for services, reported in question 1. The total of all of the types of abuse categories will often be greater than the number reporting in question 1 as some victims report multiple victimizations.

Reporting options:

The number of child alleged victims with more than one type of abuse reported. For example, a child would be counted here if they reported both sexual abuse and physical abuse, etc.

Any child from question 1 who is dependent on an active duty or reserve military service member such that military entities might be involved in the case. Do not count children dependent on veterans or fully retired military personnel.

The sum of the number entered in question 12 may be higher than the total number of new children that you entered in question 2. Question number 12 should reflect the total number of children served during the reporting period and not just the children involved in new cases referred to your center during the reporting period. However, if a child was counted in a service such as mental health treatment or victim advocacy in January-June statistics, and are still receiving service after that period, they should not also be counted again for the same case in July – December.

Reporting categories:

Accredited programs, as noted in the NCA Standards for Accredited Members, are required to track outcome information. The statistical reporting form should be used and completed in its entirety by those members. While NCA recognizes Associate Member programs may have challenges in tracking outcome information, we ask that you complete the information below to the best of your ability.

Case review is the formal process through which professionals share facts and observations that inform team decisions and assist participating professionals to make decisions about cases and services needed by the child and family. Also referred to as MDT meetings.

Please only enter the Child Protective Services disposition information for cases (meeting the CAC’s case acceptance criteria) that CPS closed during the reporting period by the listed categories. This number will most likely include cases from previous reporting periods. Include cases in which a child received services at the CAC or was discussed at a case review meeting by MDT partners even if they did not receive CAC services directly. CPS refers to Child Protective Services and in your state this may be called Department of Children and Families, Department of Human Services, or another name. We recognize CPS as a general term.

Reporting options:

The numbers entered will most likely include cases initiated in previous reporting periods. Prosecution information is usually information that is not available the following six months after opening the case and therefore the decisions and outcomes will most likely be reported during future reporting periods. Include cases in which a child received services at the CAC or was discussed at a case review meeting by MDT partners even if they did not receive CAC services directly

Reporting Fields:

CAC Funded Training includes any MDT member who attended training paid for by the CAC either for the training or for the hours to attend the training.

Defines how your CAC operates and is organized for business purposes.

Reporting Options (select the option that best applies):

Reporting Options:

Reporting options:

This section allows you to report information about services you provided that are not included in the earlier service section. For each category below enter the number of individuals to whom the service was provided, including children, adults, and/or people whose age is unknown.

Case Management refers to all cases, new or ongoing, presented to the MDT but not accepted for core direct CAC services. E.g., domestic violence, sexual assault of an adult, Mental Health Services, Dog Accompaniment Services, Drug screening, Foster Care Services, Transportation, etc.

Enter totals for:

Prevention: Many CACs engage in prevention services. Some have formal programs in the school, others may have groups focused on prevention efforts, and others participate in collaborative community projects. (e.g., School-based prevention programs like Child Safety Matters or community-based prevention programs like Stewards of Children, etc.) This could also include mandated reporter trainings. Please estimate the number of direct recipients of prevention in each age category. Do not include individuals exposed to awareness campaigns; this information is included in Question 23.

Enter totals for:

Enter the number of distinct Awareness Campaigns or events held during the reporting period, e.g., Holiday/Community Events, social media, Fundraisers, Newsletters, Prevention Campaigns including Pinwheel Events, walks, billboards, etc.

Enter the number of projected or determined people reached through awareness campaigns reported in question 22. Do not include individuals reflected in Question 21.

The following are common, general terms used in the NCA Report and their definitions.

Alleged Child Victim
A person 18 years of age or younger who is referred to the CAC for an allegation of abuse as part of an MDT Investigation.

Case Review
The formal process through which professionals share facts and observations that inform team decisions and assist participating professionals to make decisions about cases. Also referred to as MDT Meetings.

Child Protective Services, CPS
Refers broadly to state and local child welfare authorities.

Children’s Advocacy Center, CAC
Child-focused, facility-based programs with representatives from different disciplines working together to effectively investigate, prosecute, and treat child abuse. CAC locations are child-focused and designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims.

Multidisciplinary Team, MDT
A multidisciplinary team is a group of professionals from specific and distinct disciplines that collaborate from the point of a report or referral of an allegation of child abuse, through the investigation and a child and family’s involvement with the Child Advocacy Center.

National Children’s Alliance, NCA
The accrediting body and national association for all Children’s Advocacy Centers and multidisciplinary teams in the U.S. and abroad.

Offender, AO, AP
Individuals suspected and investigated in cases of abuse or alleged maltreatment.

Victim Advocate, VA
A professional trained to support victims of crime.

The following are definitions for reporting options within specific required NCA statistics questions, above.

American Indian/Alaska Native
Refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment. This category includes people who indicated their race(s) as American Indian or Alaska Native or reported their enrolled or principal tribe, such as Navajo, Blackfeet, Inupiat, Yup’ik, or Central American Indian groups or South American Indian groups.

Asian East or Southeast Asian
Refers to people who are Southeast Asian and come from East Asia: China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia, Republic of Korea. Southeast Asian: Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam.

South Asian
Refers to people coming from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

Black/African American
Refers to a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. It includes people who indicated their race(s) as Black, African American, or Negro or reported entries such as Kenyan, Nigerian, or Haitian.

Hispanic or Latino
Refers to an individual who self-reports in one of the specific Spanish, Hispanic, or Latino categories: Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. This also includes people who indicate that they are another Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin are those whose origins are from Spain, the Spanish-speaking countries of Central or South America, or the Dominican Republic. The terms Hispanic, Latino, and Spanish are used interchangeably.

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
Refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands. It includes people who indicated their race(s) as Pacific Islander or reported entries such as Native Hawaiian, Guamanian or Chamorro, Samoan, and Other Pacific Islander or provided other detailed Pacific Islander responses.

White non-Latino Caucasian
Refers to a person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. It includes people who indicated their race(s) as White or reported entries such as Irish, German, Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or Caucasian.

Another Racial Identity not listed above
Includes all other responses not included in the race categories described above.

Multiple Races
Refers to a person who may self-identify in more than one race or ethnicity category.

Not Reported
Refers to individuals who do not report.

Not Tracked
Refers to individuals who are anonymous. For example, if a CAC has a client who received services who was anonymous or received referral information over the phone.

Biological Parent
A person who contributes genetic material to create a child, usually by providing an egg or sperm. Biological parents are genetically linked to their child.

Adoptive Parent
A person who legally becomes a parent to a child who is not biologically related to them.

Foster Parent
An adult who temporarily cares for a child who has been abused, neglected, or whose biological parents are unable to care for them. Foster parents are also known as resource parents.

Parent's significant other
Refers to the romantic partner of a person's parent, essentially meaning their mom or dad's boyfriend or girlfriend; it indicates a person who holds a significant relationship with their parent, even if they are not legally married.

Stepparent
A person who marries one's own parent after the death or divorce of the other parent and therefore has no biological relationship to the child.

Other relative
Refers to family members who are part of your family, such as siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. It can also include people related by marriage, such as in-laws.

Stranger/Unknown offender
The assailant or offender is completely unknown to the victim or known only by sight.

Stranger/Unknown Internet Crime
The crime occurred by internet or other electronic means and assailant or offenders are completely unknown by the victim or known only by sight.

School Personnel or Volunteer
School personnel are people who work in a school, including teachers, administrators, and support staff. A School Volunteer is a person who helps at a school without receiving payment or other compensation and includes individuals organizing events, mentoring students, and working with students in the classroom.

Coach/Sport Personnel or Volunteer
Is a person who instructs, trains, and directs athletes or sports teams. Personnel would be paid to coach, and a volunteer helps coach without receiving payment.

Religious Personnel or Volunteer
Religious personnel are people who work in a religious vocation or calling, either temporarily or permanently. Religious volunteers are people who contribute their time and talents to a church without receiving payment. They play a vital role in the church by helping to carry out its mission and vision.

Medical Personnel
Medical personnel are people who have received specialized training in a health-related field and work in a medical setting. They may be employed by the military, work in hospitals, or participate in emergency medical teams.

Daycare
Supervision of and care for children or disabled adults that is provided during the day by a person or organization.

Babysitter
A person who goes into the home of a child to give care during the temporary absence of the parent or legal guardian or custodian.

Unknown relationship
A connection between two people where the nature of their bond is unclear, lacking a defined label.

Other known person
A relationship not listed above

Adult Survivor
Someone who has experienced abuse or trauma as a child and is now an adult.

Alleged Maltreatment/Abuse
Intentional harm or mistreatment of a person. Types of abuse can include sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, Witness to Violence, Drug Endangered, etc.

Allegation of abuse
A complaint or mandatory report submitted verbally or in writing alleging abuse.

Child Sexual Abuse
Refers to a specific type of child maltreatment where the abuse is sexual in nature.

Child Victim of Abuse
Children who have been victimized by an Alleged Maltreatment/Abuse.

Child Labor Trafficking
The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through the use of force or fraud or coercion for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. Child labor trafficking is the trafficking of individuals who are 18 years of age or younger.

Child Sex Trafficking
Refers to the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a minor for the purpose of a commercial sex act.

Child Sexual Abuse Material
Any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. Federal law prohibits the production, advertisement, transportation, distribution, receipt, sale, access with intent to view, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
Refers to a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person or in exchange for anything of value (including monetary and non-monetary benefits) given or received by any person.

Community Violence
Intentional violence that takes place in public spaces between people who are not closely related. It can include bullying, gang fighting, shootings, and attacks.

Interpersonal Violence/Family Violence
Involves the intentional use of physical force or power against other people by an individual or small group of individuals. Interpersonal violence may be physical, sexual, or psychological (also called emotional violence), and it may involve deprivation and neglect.

Drug Endangered
Refers to a child under the age of 18 who lives in or is exposed to an environment where drugs are used or manufactured creating a risk of experiencing abuse.

Neglect
Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"; or. "An act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm."

Mass Violence
Violent, intentional criminal acts that injures or kills many people. Mass violence can include public shootings; Riots; Civil unrest, such as strikes and protests; Terrorism, such as bombings; and public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks, chemical spills, or radiation events.

Physical abuse
Any intentional act that causes injury or trauma to another person through bodily contact. This can include hitting, kicking, biting, or using weapons. Physical abuse can also include denying a person medical care or forcing them to use drugs or alcohol.

Sextortion
The practice of extorting money or sexual favors from someone by threatening to reveal evidence of their sexual activity by sharing with the public nude or sexual images.

Teen Dating Victimization
Teen dating victimization is when a person under the age of 19 experiences abuse, harassment, or stalking by a current or former romantic partner. This abuse can be physical, psychological, or sexual.

Witness To Violence
A child is a witness to violence or interpersonal violence when an act that is defined as domestic violence or violent or aggressive behavior is committed in the presence of or perceived by the child.

Other
Any Alleged maltreatment not reported above.

A military dependent child is a minor child (biological, adopted, or stepchild) formally recognized by the Department of Defense (DoD) as a dependent of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, such that military entities may be involved in or relevant to the case. This includes all branches of service (including U.S. Coast Guard), including those serving on active duty, in the Reserve, or in the National Guard. Do not count children of veterans, retired service personnel, etc.

Forensic Interview, FI
A structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event or events that the child may have experienced or witnessed.

Medical Exam/Treatment/Evaluation
Specialized medical evaluation conducted through a CAC referral to an onsite, linked, or other appropriate medical provider.

Mental Health Counseling/Therapy
Therapy or Counseling either in person or by teletherapy attended by the child.

Mental Health Screenings/Assessments
A mental health screening or assessment is a series of questions and observations that help inform need for treatment, type of treatment needed, and Risk or Crisis Assessment. Screening or Assessments can be conducted by either a Mental Health Professional or a Victim Advocate and typically assess for Trauma, Risk, Crisis, and Safety.

Mental Health Referral to Counseling/Therapy (Internal and External)
Referral for Behavior Health Services or Mental Health Services that are a written, oral, faxed or electronic request by the CAC on behalf of the child. Internal referrals would be inside the CAC by the CAC or an employee of the CAC. External referrals would be outside the CAC including linkage agreements and not at the CAC or employed by the CAC.

Victim Advocacy Services
Services that help victims of crime navigate the criminal justice system and recover from their experience.

Administrative Closure
Case that does not meet criteria to be assigned to CPS.

Child with Sexual Behavior Problem
A child who initiates sexualized behaviors that is considered to be developmentally inappropriate for their age and could potentially harm themselves or others.

Differential Response
A child welfare practice that allows multiple ways to respond to reports of child abuse or neglect, is also known as "dual track," "multiple track," or "alternative response".

Moved/Transferred
Case where the child/family has moved out of the service area or the case was moved to ongoing services.

Screened out
The agency determined that the allegations did not meet the state's definition of child maltreatment.

Substantiated/Indicated/Founded
The case was investigated by CPS and the evidence substantiated abuse.

Unable to Complete
The case was investigated by CPS and the caseworker was unable to substantiate abuse or complete the investigation for other reasons.

Unsubstantiated/Unfounded
The case was investigated by CPS and no determination of abuse was made.

Other
Cases closed for reasons not provided above.

Referred to Prosecution
A request was made to prosecute the case.

Accepted for Prosecution
A Decision to pursue legal action has been made by Prosecution.

Dismissed
The case has been terminated or dismissed because the plaintiff or prosecution did not actively pursue it.

Conviction
For the purposes of this question, please count a case under ‘convictions’ if any of the charges connected to the case resulted in a conviction by jury / judge decision.

Pleas
Count a case under ‘pleas’ if any of the charges connected to a case resulted in a conviction by a plea agreement.

Acquittals
Please count a case under ‘acquittals’ if any of the charges connected to a case did not result in a conviction by jury / judge decision.

Diversion Response
A criminal justice agreement that allows a defendant to avoid arrest, prosecution, or incarceration. In exchange, the defendant agrees to complete certain conditions within a set time frame. If the defendant complies with the conditions, the charges are dismissed.