Unpaid child care (CHCAREP)

Latest release
Census of Population and Housing: Census dictionary
Reference period
2026

Definition

This variable records people who, in the two weeks prior to Census night, spent time caring for a child or children under 15 years of age without pay. It excludes care provided through an organisation or club.  

It includes people who: 

  • care for their own children, whether they usually live with them or not 
  • care for other children in their family, such as grandchildren or children of relatives 
  • care for the children of friends or neighbours

Scope

Persons aged 15 years and over

Categories

CodeCategory
1 Did not provide child care
2 Cared for own child/children
3 Cared for other child/children
4 Cared for own child/children and other child/children
& Not stated
@ Not applicable
V Overseas visitor

Number of categories: 7 

Not applicable (@) category comprises: 

  • persons aged under 15 years

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information. 

Question from the Census form

In the last two weeks did the person spend time looking after a child, without pay?

How this variable is created

This variable is based on answers to the unpaid care question on the Census form. Responses are captured automatically from the mark boxes, which reduces the risk of processing errors. If a person selects more than one option, all ‘Yes’ answers are kept and any ‘No’ answer are ignored. 

History and changes

A question on unpaid care for children was first asked in 2006.

There have been no changes for the 2026 Census. 

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