CFSR Statewide Data Indicators
Updated for Round 4!
Find information about using CFSR statewide data indicators to assess performance on child safety and permanency outcomes.
Last updated: February 2023
Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) statewide data indicators provide performance information on states' child safety and permanency outcomes. The statewide data indicators are aggregate measures calculated using information that states report to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) and the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). State child welfare agency leaders, managers, continuous quality improvement (CQI) staff, judicial and legal communities, youth and families, and others can use statewide data indicators to help evaluate state child welfare system performance and inform CFSR processes, strategic planning, and CQI efforts.
Increase your understanding of the statewide data indicators and their use in the CFSR and program improvement efforts through Child and Family Services Review Statewide Data Indicators: Information for Child Welfare Leaders and Program Managers.
Update for Round 4 coming soon!
Learn about each statewide data indicator, including its definition, calculation specifications, data requirements, and the national performance value for CFSR Round 4. Performance on these indicators is used as part of the CFSR Round 4 process to evaluate CFSR Safety Outcome 1 and CFSR Permanency Outcome 1.
CFSR Safety Outcome 1— children are, first and foremost, protected from abuse and neglect
CFSR Permanency Outcome 1—children have permanency and stability in their living situations
- Permanency in 12 Months for Children Entering Care
- Permanency in 12 Months for Children in Care 12 to 23 Months
- Permanency in 12 Months for Children in Care 24 Months or More
- Reentry to Foster Care
- Placement Stability
See also the CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicators Data Dictionary and other related resources on the CFSR Information Portal.
To request indicator-specific factsheets in Spanish, contact your Center for States Liaison.
Use the Child and Family Services Review Data Profile Quick Reference to better understand different elements on the CFSR Data Profile and collaborate with others in interpreting and discussing state performance on statewide data indicators. Updated for Round 4!
Note: Starting in August 2022, the CFSR Data Profile includes a new first page with risk-standardized performance visualizations for each indicator. The updates to the Quick Reference reflect this change.
See also Frequently Asked Questions: CFSR State Data Profiles.
The CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicator Syntax files are available from the Children’s Bureau’s website. If you would like to receive an email with the syntax files or support for running the syntax, send an email to capacityinfo@icfi.com with “CFSR Round 4 Syntax” in the subject line.
Find detailed guidance on how to establish file structure and prepare files, run syntax, conduct data quality checks, and avoid common errors in Instructions and Tips for Running the CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicators Syntax
Access a high-level summary of key steps in Overview of How to Run the CFSR Round 4 Statewide Data Indicators Syntax
Find answers to common questions on the following statewide data indicator topics.
Updated for Round 4!
- General Questions
- CFSR State Data Profiles
- Risk-Standardized Performance (RSP) and Making Comparisons
- Data Quality Checks
- CFSR Statewide Data Indicator Syntax
- Safety Indicators
- Permanency Indicators
For FAQs related to the CFSR Onsite Review Instrument (OSRI), see OSRI Frequently Asked Questions on the CFSR Information Portal.
Connect With Us
Learn how we can help your agency build the capacity to thrive.
Email: capacityinfo@icfi.com
Phone: 1.844.222.0272
Visit the Center for States' Contact Us webpage for more information.