NCJ Number
163172
Date Published
1995
Length
293 pages
Annotation
This report addresses the nature and extent of child abuse and neglect fatalities and how these deaths might be prevented.
Abstract
Research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that abuse and neglect kills 5.4 out of every 100,000 children age 4 and under (McClain et al., 1993; McClain, 1995); however, due to the misclassification of child deaths, the CDC believes that a second conservative estimate can be as high as 11.6 per 100,000 children age 4 and under. Thus, deaths from abuse and neglect of children in this age group outnumber those from falls, choking on food, suffocation, drowning, residential fires, and motor vehicle accidents. Yet, the American public as well as many government leaders and policymakers at all levels continue to regard these deaths as rare occurrences; this notion impedes effective preventive action. This report offers 26 recommendations for addressing deep-seated problems within the law enforcement, child protection and health agencies, and courts that compose the country's child protection system. Recommendations are addressed to Congress, States, public policymakers, and all citizens. The chapters of the report address the lack of knowledge over the scope and nature of child abuse and neglect fatalities, the need for better investigation and prosecution as well as major efforts to improve and train front-line professionals, the encouraging emergence of child death review teams, and the need for more aggressive efforts to protect children and facilitate community-based family services and primary prevention efforts. Chapter references and appended supplementary materials, including a review of child fatalities research and literature