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Glossary - N

Many child welfare terms are subject to interpretation. The Glossary identifies commonly held definitions for terms that can be found on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website. It defines common acronyms and includes links to information on major Federal legislation and related child welfare terms. The Glossary will be updated as new terminology emerges in the field, as new legislation is enacted, and as child welfare terms take on new meaning.

National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS)
A voluntary national data collection and analysis system created in response to the requirements of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (P.L. 93-247) as amended.

NCANDS (see National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System)

neglect (see educational neglect, emotional neglect, medical neglect, physical neglect)

nonrecurring adoption costs
One-time adoption expenses that may be at least partially reimbursed by States up to a maximum amount, as determined by the State responsible for the adoption assistance payments, for families adopting children with special needs. Allowable expenses for this reimbursement benefit can include the cost of a home study, adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, physical and psychological examinations, travel to visit with the child prior to the placement, and other expenses related to the legal adoption of a child with special needs.

nonresident father
A parent who does not live in the same household as his child. A nonresident father may be divorced, separated, or never married to the child's mother.

nurturance
Behaviors and activities that further the growth and development of another person, family, group, or community.

Updated on February 2, 2010