The SCAN Policies Database data files and supporting data use documentation are also available through the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect (NDACAN). Additional data file formats of the SCAN Policies Database are available from NDACAN.
Data Use Documents
Data user's guide (PDF, 485 KB) , opens in a new window
The data user’s guide has detailed information about the data set for all years, including the process used to collect and review the data, the scope of information included in the data set, and guidance on using the data, including how to link the data with other data sources. Appendix A provides a glossary of key terms. Appendix B summarizes the decisions made on the scope and variables to include in the SCAN Policies Database. Appendix C summarizes the changes to data between the 2021 and 2023 data sets that reflect changes to state laws and policies during this time period.
Last Updated: January 2025
Errata statement (Excel, 126 KB) , opens in a new window
The errata statement presents corrections applied to previous rounds of data for the SCAN Policies Database. The errata statement provides details about the corrections, including the year and version of the data requiring a correction, the affected variable name and state, the corrected value for each variable, plus the year and version of the data the in which the correction was applied.
Last Updated: January 2025
2023 Data Use Documents
2023 Codebook (PDF, 2.83 MB) , opens in a new window
The codebook provides information about each variable in the 2023 data set, including variable names, labels, definitions, protocol number, variable type, and frequencies.
2023 Data Collection Protocol (PDF, 576 KB) , opens in a new window
The protocol has the questions used to collect information about states’ laws and policies for the 2023 data set.
2021 Data Use Documents
2021 Codebook (PDF, 4.55 MB) , opens in a new window
The codebook provides information about each variable in the 2021 data set, including variable names, labels, definitions, protocol number, variable type, and frequencies.
2021 Data Collection Protocol (PDF, 475 KB) , opens in a new window
The protocol has the questions used to collect information about states’ laws and policies for the 2021 data set.
2019 Data Use Documents
2019 Codebook Version 2 (PDF, 2.95 MB) , opens in a new window
The codebook provides information about each variable in the 2019 data set, including variable names, labels, definitions, protocol number, variable type, and frequencies.
2019 Data Collection Protocol (PDF, 623 KB) , opens in a new window
The protocol has the questions used to collect information about states’ laws and policies for the 2019 data set.
Guidance for Using Data
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Data use presentation (703 KB) , opens in a new window
The training presentation slides provide instructions for how to access and download data available on this website, including how to use filters to download a subset of the data.
Additional Data Resources
Additional information about state laws and policies related to child abuse and neglect are available from the Child Welfare Information Gateway. (Note: Information available from this resource may be different from information in the SCAN Policies Database due to the scope and timeframe of data collection. The SCAN Policies Database is based on the collection and review of publicly available statutes and documentation, plus documentation provided by state child welfare agencies.)
Information and data about child welfare outcomes is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Children’s Bureau.