National Statistics on Child Abuse and Neglect | First Star

National Statistics on Child Abuse and Neglect | First Star


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Child Abuse and Neglect Stats
How does the United States fare in its treatment of children?

· Global ranking of the U.S. based on gross domestic product:[i] #1

· Ranking of the U.S. among developed nations based on overall child well-being:[ii] 20th out of 21

· Ranking of the U.S. among developed nations based on rate of child deaths from abuse and neglect:[iii] 25th out of 27

How many children are abused and neglected in the U.S.?

In 2009, an estimated:

· 6.0 million children were referred to Child Protective Services (CPS).[iv]

· 3.3 million children were investigated for maltreatment by CPS.[v]

· 825,000 children were determined to be victims of abuse or neglect.[vi

What type of maltreatment did these children suffer?*

· 78.3% were victims of neglect.[vii]

· 17.8 % were victims of physical abuse.[viii]

· 9.5% were victims of sexual abuse. [ix]

· 7.6% were victims of psychological abuse.[x]

*Children that suffer from multiple forms of abuse were counted for each.

Who suffered from maltreatment?

· Children under the age of one were 50% more likely to be victims of abuse and neglect.[xi]

· More than 8% of victims had a reported disability.[xii]

· More than half of the victims were girls.[xiii]

How many children in the U.S. died from abuse and neglect?

In 2009:

· There were an estimated 1,770 child fatality victims due to maltreatment in the U.S.,[xiv] or an average of 34 children a week.

· More than 80% of children killed were 0-4 years old.[xv] Of these, 46.2% were less than a year old.[xvi]

How much does child abuse and neglect cost the U.S.?

· Annual estimated direct cost of medical care for child abuse and neglect in the U.S.:[xvii] $33,101,302,133

· Annual estimated direct AND indirect cost of child abuse and neglect in the U.S.:[xviii] $103,754,017,492

What kind of legal assistance is provided for these children?

· 37% of states do not mandate legal representation for children in abuse and neglect proceedings.[xix]

· Abused and neglected children in 49% of states do not receive the same traditional legal representation received by adults.[xx]

What happens to former foster children?

In 2009:

· Approximately 463,000 children were in the foster care system.[xxi]

· 29,471 children aged out.[xxii]

· Percentage of the general population that have a bachelor’s degree: [xxiii] 24%

· Percentage of former foster children that have a bachelor’s degree.[xxiv] < 2%

· Percentage of the general population in jail or prison in 2008: [xxv] 1%

· Percentage of former foster children incarcerated after aging out: [xxvi] Males: 44.6%, Females: 16.4%

· Percentage of the general population who experience homelessness over the course of a year:[xxvii] <1%

· Percentage of former foster children who experience homelessness after aging out of the system[xxviii] 25%

· Percentage of former foster children who reported being unemployed 1 year after aging out:[xxix] 53%

· Percentage of former foster children who reported living on food stamps 2-3 years after aging out:[xxx] 45%