Child Abuse and Neglect
Goal:
Measure
There are two measures in this category: 1) Number of confirmed victims of
child abuse and neglect per 1,000 children aged 0-17; 2) Families investigated for abuse or
neglect per 1,000 children aged 0-17.
Why This Indicator is Important
Research indicates that effective intervention and
support reduces child abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, many families do not
learn such support services exist prior to action by Child Protective Services
(CPS). Thus, initial CPS contacts serve as both prevention and intervention
actions. Repeat occurrences of child abuse and neglect often indicate a
community failure to keep children safe, and reflect the complexity of working
with multi-problem families.
Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles, 28% more likely to be arrested as adults, and 30% more likely to commit violent crimes. Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. About 30% of abused and neglected children later abuse their own children. About 75% of the people in treatment for drug abuse report being abused as children. The estimated annual cost associated with child abuse and neglect in the United States in 2007 is $104 billion.
Children who experience child abuse and neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles, 28% more likely to be arrested as adults, and 30% more likely to commit violent crimes. Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. About 30% of abused and neglected children later abuse their own children. About 75% of the people in treatment for drug abuse report being abused as children. The estimated annual cost associated with child abuse and neglect in the United States in 2007 is $104 billion.
How Are We Doing?
Child abuse and neglect cases for Midland County
have remained below the state level in the last three years and above federal
levels (about 2 more per 1,000 children). After a decline
in 2008, the rates of reported abuse increased to 11.8 per 1,000 children (ages
0-17) in 2012 and 11.5 in 2013. This is still below state averages. The number of families
investigated has increased since 2011 to 77.2 per 1,000 children in 2012 and 83.8 in 2013; while the state average increased by 20 per
1,000 children from 2010 to 2012 before declining to 88 per 1,000 in 2013; while federal rates have remained at 41 investigations per 1,000 children since 2011.
Qualitative Indicators for Impact
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