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Episode Count

Users are given the option of specifying whether data reports capture entries and exits at the child-level, or the event-level. For event-level episode counts, multiple entries or exits for a given child will be included if they fall within the specified timeframe. For child-level episode counts, data are unduplicated separately for the state and for each county. As a result, the sum of counties may not sum to the statewide total.

Options for Entries include:
  • Children Entering: An unduplicated count of all children entering foster care during the time period.
  • First Entry: A count of unique children for whom this is the first ever entry to an out-of-home foster care placement.
  • Other Entry: An event-level count of all entries to foster care during the time period that are not first entry placements.
  • All Entry: An event-level count of all entries to foster care during the time period.
Options for Exits include:
  • Children Exiting: An unduplicated count of all children exiting foster care during the time period.
  • Last Exit: A count of unique children who experienced their last known exit during the time period.
  • Other Exit: An event-level count of all exits from foster care during the time period that were not the last exit experienced by the child.
  • All Exit: An event-level count of all exits from foster care during the time period.