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

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

Definition

This variable counts the number of non‑dependent children aged 15 years and over in a family who were temporarily absent from the family household on Census night. 

This variable does not include children aged under 15 years or full-time students aged 15 to 24 years.

Scope

Families with non-dependent children in family households

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
4Four or more non-dependent children temporarily absent 
@Not applicable 

Number of categories: 6 

Not applicable (@) category comprises: 

  • couple families with no children 
  • couple families with no dependent children 
  • one parent families with no dependent children 
  • other families 
  • non-family households 
  • non-classifiable households 
  • unoccupied private dwellings 
  • non-private dwellings 
  • migratory, offshore and shipping SA1s 

See Understanding supplementary codes for more information.   

Question(s) from the Census form

For each person away, complete the following questions:

How this variable is created

This variable is derived from responses to the relationship and persons temporarily absent (PTA) questions on the Census form. Non‑dependent children are classified as either: 

  • children aged 15 to 24 years who are not full‑time students 
  • children aged 25 years and over 

History and changes

This variable was first introduced in 1996 and replaced the variable other offspring temporarily absent (COAF). 

In 2026, new categories were added, increasing the highest category from ‘Three non-dependent children temporarily absent’ to ‘Four or more non-dependent children temporarily absent’. 

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