The ROCKWOOL–Duke Global Child Welfare Database (RDGCWD) compiles cross-national aggregate information from the Global North about children who experienced contact with child welfare systems (CWS) or child protective services (CPS) between 2000 and 2020. Data were collected from national child welfare agencies or national or transnational statistical agencies, and include measures of child maltreatment investigations, confirmed child maltreatment, and children in out-of-home care. Population data are included for the measurement of incidence and prevalence of system contact. The RDGCWD provides a unique resource for comparative and longitudinal research on child maltreatment and child welfare systems. However, potential unobserved variation in the definition of child maltreatment or in the administration of child welfare and child protection warrant caution in the interpretation of variation and change in system contact.

Investigators: Alexander F. Roehrkasse, Ph.D. Duke University Liza Becker, B.A. Duke University Peter Fallesen, Ph.D. Stockholm University Christopher Wildeman, Ph.D. Duke University