Count of non-dependent children in family (CNDCF)

This variable counts the number of non-dependent children in the family. It includes up to three non-dependent children who were temporarily absent from the household on Census Night.

A non-dependent child refers to a natural, adopted, step or foster child of a couple or lone parent usually resident in the household. They are aged 15 years and over and not a full-time student aged 15-24 years. They also have no identified partner or child of their own usually resident in the household.

Families with children in family households

This variable is created from responses to relationship in household, age, attendance at a educational institution and persons temporarily absent (PTA) questions on the Census form. 

It counts the number of non-dependent children in couple families and one parent families.

The Family composition (FMCF) variable is used to determine whether the family is a couple family or a one parent family. 

Non-dependent children present in the household are counted if they are part of the family and are classified as one of the following Relationship in household (RLHP) categories:

• 51 Non-dependent natural, or adopted child
• 52 Non-dependent step child
• 53 Non-dependent foster child

Up to three non-dependent children who are temporarily absent from the household on Census Night can be counted from the variable Count of dependent students (15-24 years) temporarily absent (CDSAF).

This variable was first introduced in 2011.

No changes have been made for 2021.

Usual residents may not be included in the household’s Census form because they were away from the dwelling on Census Night. In this case they should be included in the Persons temporarily absent section of the form. This can occur in both family and group households. Due to form limitations, a maximum of three people can be reported and coded as temporarily absent from the dwelling. If more than three people are absent from the household, the additional people are unable to be included on the form.

Care should be taken when comparing this variable to other family data from within the ABS or external organisations or agencies. The definition of a family can differ between different statistical collections and may not match Census definitions.

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form. 

• Count of dependent children in family (CDCF)
• Count of non-dependent children in family temporarily absent (CNDAF) 
• Relationship in household (RLHP)
• Child

• People
• Household and families: Census