Count of non-dependent children in family temporarily absent (CNDAF)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2021

Definition

This variable counts the number of non-dependent children reported as temporarily absent from the family on Census Night. A maximum of three people can be reported and coded as temporarily absent from the dwelling.

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.

Scope

Families which include non-dependent children

Categories

CodeCategory
0No non-dependent children temporarily absent
1One non-dependent child temporarily absent
2Two non-dependent children temporarily absent
3Three non-dependent children temporarily absent
@Not applicable

Number of categories: 5

Not applicable (@) category comprises:

  • Couple families with no children under 15 years, no dependent students and no non-dependent children
  • One parent or couple families with children under 15 years, dependent students and no non-dependent children
  • One parent or couple families with children under 15 years, no dependent students and no non-dependent children
  • One parent or couple families with no children under 15 years, and with dependent students and no non-dependent children
  • Other families
  • Non-family/Non-classifiable households
  • Unoccupied private dwellings
  • Non-private dwellings
  • Migratory, off-shore and shipping SA1s

Question(s) from the Census form

For each person away, complete the following questions:

The Census asks a number of questions for usual residents who were temporarily absent on Census night, these are known as persons temporarily absent (PTA) questions. The PTA questions below are used to derive this variable.

Name of each person who usually lives in this dwelling, but was away on Tuesday 10 August 2021
List the people who were away on the night of Tuesday 10 August 2021 but usually live in this dwelling. Remember that people listed here will need to complete a Census form for where they were in Australia on Census night. People away List Person Away 1 - Any person who usually lives in this dwelling, but was away. Add another person away

Example

Count of non-dependent children in family temporarily absent example - Person 4 Surname

Example

List the people who were away on the night of Tuesday 10 August 2021 but usually live in this dwelling. Remember that people listed here will need to complete a Census form for where they were in Australia on Census night. People away Person 4 Surname - Any person who usually lives in this dwelling, but was away. Add another person away
What is the person’s date of birth and age?
What is Person 4's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please give age. More information Date of birth Day Month Year OR Age

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is Person 4's date of birth?

More information

What is Person 4's date of birth? If date of birth is not known, please give age. More information It is important to note: • Date of birth is the date that the person was born. • Age is required only if the person's date of birth is not known. Please report age at Census night – Tuesday 10 August 2021. If the person is less than one year old and their date of birth is not known, enter '0' in the age box.
Is the person a full-time student?
Is Person 4 a full-time student? More information No Yes

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: Is Person 4 a full-time student?

More information

Is Person 4 a full-time student? More information Select 'Yes' if the institution considers the person to be a full-time student. Select 'No' if the institution considers the person to be a part-time student. For a person who attends only hobby or recreational courses, select 'No'. For a child who attends a preschool or preschool program (including early childhood education and centre based day care providers): • Select 'Yes' if they attend at least 15 hours a week on average. • Select 'No' if they attend less than 15 hours a week on average.
What is Person 4's relationship to Person 1/Person 2?
What is Person 4's relationship to Person 1/Person 2? Examples of other relationships: Son-in-law, Grand-daughter, Uncle, Boarder. More information Husband or wife of Person 1 De facto partner of Person 1 Child of both Person 1 and Person 2 Child of Person 1 only Child of Person 2 only Unrelated flatmate or co-tenant of Person 1 Other relationship to Person 1 (please specify)

More information

Additional information relating to the question on: What is Person 4's relationship to Person 1/Person 2?

More information

What is Person 4's relationship to Person 1/Person 2? Examples of other relationships: Son-in-law, Grand-daughter, Uncle, Boarder. More information If more than one response applies, select the option that shows the relationship that most closely applies.

How this variable is created

This variable is derived from responses to the persons temporarily absent (PTA) questions on the Census form. Non-dependent children are classified if they are:

  • children who are 15-24 years of age who are not full-time students
  • children aged 25 years and over

History and changes

This variable was first introduced in 1996. It replaced a variable called Other offspring temporarily absent (COAF).

No changes have been made for 2021.

Data use considerations

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. 

Related variables and glossary terms

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