CODE 1   Two parent—natural

This category includes all two parent families where both parents are either the biological or adoptive parents of the child.

CODE 2   Two parent—step or blended

This category includes blended and reconstituted families (one biological parent and one step parent).

CODE 3   One parent—female

This category includes all families with a female single parent. The parent may be the biological, step or adoptive parent.

CODE 4   One parent—male

This category includes all families with a male single parent. The parent may be the biological, step or adoptive parent.

CODE 5   Other relatives/kin

Includes relatives other than those referred to above. Also includes Indigenous kinship arrangements.

CODE 6   Foster care

This category includes situations in which a child is living with foster parent(s) who are reimbursed (or who have been offered but declined reimbursement) by the state or territory for the care of a child and supported by an approved agency.

CODE 88   Other

This category includes all those not mentioned above. It includes non-family situations, such as hostels and institutional accommodation.

CODE 99   Not stated/inadequately described

This category is used when the family in which a child lives is not recorded or is unknown.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) 2013. Child protection national minimum data set, data collection manual 2012-13. AIHW: Canberra.