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Instructions for NCANDS Child File Data
General Information:
The Archive makes the case-level data of the NCANDS Child File
available to eligible members of the research community for the
purpose of statistical analysis and reporting. Because of the
detailed nature of the information on Child File records, these data
are considered restricted data. Researchers who would like to use
the data must fulfill eligibility criteria, submit an application
for approval to the Archive, and enter into a legally-binding data
license that outlines the requirements for appropriate use of the
data.
Eligibility
Only individuals holding a faculty appointment or research position
at an institution of higher education, a research organization, or a
government agency are eligible to obtain the Child File. The
Investigator's institution must have an Institutional Review Board
(IRB) that is registered with the U.S. Office for Human Research
Protections, or be granted an exemption from this requirement by the
Archive. Exemptions may be granted to institutions with a
demonstrated record of using sensitive data according to
commonly-accepted standards of research ethics.
Student Access
University students are not eligible to obtain the data as
Investigators, and the student discount does not apply. However, students who would like to use the Child
File in their research may gain access as authorized Research Staff
if their faculty advisor serves as the Investigator. The faculty
advisor and institution should understand that they bear full
responsibility for ensuring that all conditions of the license are
met by the student, who must sign the Supplemental Agreement With
Research Staff form.
Requesting the Child File Data
Applications to use the NCANDS Child File must include the
following items:
- An NCANDS Child File Application
(MS Word).
- Three signed copies of the
NCANDS Child
File License (MS Word).
- Three signed copies of the
Supplemental Agreement with Research Staff (MS
Word), the form authorizing
access to the data for other individuals associated with the
Investigator's research.
- A copy of the notification from the Institutional Review Board
that the Investigator's project has been either approved or found
exempt from review.
If multiple years of data are requested, the Investigator
submits a single application and three signed licenses that indicate
the years(s) ordered.
Collaborating researchers who are employed by different
institutions may submit a single application, but separate
licenses will have to be executed for each institution. An
Investigator will need to be designated at each institution.
If the Investigator changes institutional affiliation during the
term of the License, a new License, signed by a Representative of
the new institution, will have to be executed and IRB exemption or
approval from the new institutions will have to be granted. No
additional fee will be required.
Application materials for the NCANDS Child File should be
mailed to:
National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Attn: NCANDS Child File Application
Family Life Development Center – Beebe Hall Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Please allow 3-6 weeks for
processing.
Questions about acquiring the Child File may be sent to the above
address or sent via e-mail to ndacan@cornell.edu.
