NCA Report Measure Dictionary and Terminology Resource

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS



 

 

 

NCA Report Overview:

 

NCA Report Measure Dictionary and Terminology Resource is designed as a resource for measures and terms used for data collection and reporting. 

The NCA Report provides valuable information that is reported to the Department of Justice, used to respond to Congressional inquiries, and found within annual reports. 

The NCA Report is a tool for discussion at the local, state, and federal level and is essential so that the excellent work that is taking place in CACs across the country is represented and shared with Stakeholders.

All Accredited, Associate/Developing and Satellite Members are required to submit a center/agency statistical report (NCA Report) to NCA every six months to comply with membership requirements and to remain in good standing. (If a CAC became a member during the reporting period, they will not be required to submit it until the next reporting period. 

 

 

 

 

 

General Terminology

 

The following are common 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, continuing throughout 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.

 

 

Demographics

 

Biological Sex/Biological Sex at Birth

The designation that doctors ascribe to infants based on external genitalia and is recorded on birth records. 

 

Self-Identified Gender

An individual’s own internal sense of self and their gender identity.

 

Self-Identified Pronouns

An individual’s expressed personal pronouns used to refer to themselves, such as he, she, or they.

 

Race/Ethnicity:

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 Asia

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

Relationships of Alleged Offenders

 

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 not part of your immediate family, such as 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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alleged Maltreatments

 

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 and Other categories that are listed in the Alleged Maltreatment term section on page 8. 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Services

 

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 Counselling 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. 

 

Victim Advocacy Services

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CPS outcome information:

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Prosecution Decisions and Outcomes

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAC Information Area

 

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. 

Organizational Type

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

Physical Location

Describes the physical location of your CAC.

 

Other Services

 

Case Management/Coordination (services for children and/or adults)  

Referring to cases 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. If you enter cases in NCAtrak on the Presenting Tab for Other Direct or Indirect Services statistics will automatically be added to your report if any services like MH, VA, Med, or FI are attended by the client.

Prevention – Services (for Children and Adults)

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.) If you enter cases in NCAtrak on the Presenting Tab for Other Direct or Indirect Services statistics will automatically be added to your report if any services like MH, VA, Med, or FI are attended by the client. 

Awareness Campaigns 

e.g., Holiday/Community Events, social media, Fundraisers, Newsletters, Prevention Campaigns including Pinwheel Events, walks, billboards, etc.

Awareness Campaign Impressions 

The number of projected or determined people reached through awareness campaigns.