Welcome to the Child Welfare Extensible Markup Language (CW XML) work group web site

Extensible Markup Language, commonly abbreviated XML, is a text-based format that lets developers describe, deliver and exchange structured data among a range of applications provided that the sender and receiver have agreed in advance on the data definitions. XML is used in many ways - to display data on a browser, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or cell phones; to integrate data; for forms generation; and as an archival method and to exchange data. XML is a relatively new language for data that has already been adopted by many industries. There are many commercial XML standards currently in place; however, to date, there is no XML standard for social service applications.

The Child Welfare Extensible Markup Language work group, CW XML, consists of industry and State representatives currently examining ways of applying XML in child welfare. States, with assistance from industry experts, are working together to define and develop an XML schema in their data systems. If you would like to become involved with the XML effort please contact us at (nrccwdt@xtria.com).

Also please check the web site regularly as changes will be made to the web site as the XML work group continues their efforts.