In this article a survey is given of the literature about the development of computerized standard files to be used in child and adolescent psychiatry. The possibilities of application of computerized standard files, its advantages, as well as the risks and the ethical aspects are being discussed in this respect.

Next follows a description of the development of such a computerized standard file in a large centre for child and adolescent psychiatry. Much attention is being given to the development of a system which can be applied for registration of demographic data, for example when it concerns complicated family structures. The introduction of the standard file in the centre, and the problems that occurred are discussed.

The possibilities of application of the standard file are illustrated in view of data, that refer to different descriptions of the incompleteness of households.