Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the 1989 Annual Fifty State Survey

• NCJ Number: 124896
• Author(s): D Daro; L Mitchel
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 24 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Skillman Foundation
• Corporate Author: National Cmtte to Prevent Child Abuse
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Report (Annual/Periodic)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Working Paper Number 808

Annotation

The results of this survey are compiled by contacting the Federal government's liaison officer for child abuse and neglect in each State and are disseminated to the general public as well as workers in the field of child abuse. The specific information of interest included the actual number of reports filed during 1987, 1988, and 1989; the percentage of those reports involvement physical abuse, child neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment; State policies for screening reports and limiting caseload size; the percentage of reported families presenting substance abuse problems; the number of child abuse fatalities for 1987, 1988, and 1989; the existing barriers to effective implementation of child protective services; and funding levels for child welfare services in general.

Abstract

The findings note a marked increase of approximately 10 percent in reported child abuse and neglect cases in 1989. While wide variation exists in reporting trends across the States, more States realized an increase in reports in that year. One of the main explanations for the increase in reports is the concomitant increase in substance abuse. Other social problems contributing to increases in severe maltreatment include poverty, lack of medical and child care, homelessness, domestic violence, and economic stress. In rural areas, inaccessibility to prevention services is another contributing factor. The expansion of child assault prevention education in schools, as well as general public awareness and media coverage, have probably led to an increased disclosure of prior or ongoing abuse. A final factor is the systemic or definitional changes taking place in some jurisdictions. The survey results indicate a need for expansions of child welfare budgets; child abuse hotlines; educational and support services to pregnant women and new parents; the current foster care system; comprehensive prevention services through existing medical, mental health, and educational systems; and coordination of services. 4 tables, 18 references.