Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths Cut in Half Since 2003
Although Indiana Statehouse Democrats have criticized the Daniels administration lately over the number of child deaths in the state due to abuse and neglect, a new report shows that number has dropped considerably over the past seven years.
According to the Indiana Department of Child Services latest report, in 2003, 51 children died of abuse and neglect. In 2010 that number had dropped to 25, 19 were due to abuse and 6 were due to neglect, four children had previous experiences with DCS. In 2003, out of the 51 child deaths, 34 were due to abuse, 17 were neglect and 11 had previous involvement with DCS.
Below is a breakdown from 2003 – 2010:
- 2003 – 51 deaths, 34 – abuse, 17 neglect, 11 previous involvement
- 2004 – 57 deaths, 22 – abuse, 35 neglect, 19 previous involvement
- 2005 – 54 deaths, 24 – abuse, 30 neglect, 20 previous involvement
- 2006 – 53 deaths, 30 – abuse, 23 neglect, 11 previous involvement
- 2007 – 36 deaths, 17 – abuse, 19 neglect, 9 previous involvement
- 2008 – 46 deaths, 24 – abuse, 22 neglect, 15 previous involvement
- 2009 – 38 deaths, 24 – abuse, 14 neglect, 9 previous involvement
- 2010 – 25 deaths, 19 – abuse, 6 neglect, 4 previous involvement
Lake County reported the most cases of child deaths due to abuse, seven. While Marion County reported most deaths due to neglect, three. 60% of the reported child deaths were age five and under. And in 79% of cases, the mother’s boyfriend or man she was living with at the time was involved.
I think everyone can agree that one child death due to abuse and neglect is one too many, but with 15,000 children in the system at any given time, even the most vocal critics have to admit these numbers are continuing to go in the right direction.
