NCJ Number
146051
Date Published
1993
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes national survey data regarding the number and characteristics of child abuse reports, the number of child abuse fatalities, and changes in the funding and scope of child welfare services in 1992.
Abstract
Results revealed that the rate of children reported for child abuse or neglect increased from 30 per 1,000 children in 1985 to 45 per 1,000 in 1992. Overall, child abuse reports have maintained a steady growth over this period. Child fatalities from abuse or neglect have also increased steadily during the same period. In 1992, an estimated 2,936,000 children were reported to child protective services agencies as alleged victims of child maltreatment. Economic stress and drug abuse as well as greater public awareness and willingness to report maltreatment appear to account for this trend. Unfortunately, the child protective system appears unable to cope with the increased demands placed on it. Despite the large increases in caseloads, most States received no increase in funding for child protective services. Findings indicated the need for increased funding in respond to increased caseloads, better information, more efforts to prevent child neglect, and other measures. Tables