Data released today by the Chicago-based National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse (NCPCA) suggest that child abuse and neglect continue to be a major threat to the well-being of the nation's children.

Based on an annual survey of child welfare officials in all fifty states and the District of Columbia, over three million children were reported as victims of child abuse and neglect and nearly one million were confirmed victims of maltreatment. Further, an estimated 1046 children, or three children per day, died in 1996 as a result of child abuse and neglect. Consistent with data from prior years, the vast majority of children who died from maltreatment are very young: 82% of the victims are under the age of five, and 42% are less than one year old at the time of their death.

"Child abuse continues to be a grave problem," said Dr. Deborah Daro, NCPCA Research Director. "Children continue to die at a rate of three each day as a result of child abuse and neglect. Perhaps most tragically, the youngest children are most at risk. We are very concerned that young children who are least able to protect themselves, continue to be fatal victims at the hands of parents and caretakers."

Dr. Daro also pointed out that in states where intensive prevention efforts have been in place, child abuse reports appear to be on the decline. In the states with declining rates, Healthy Families America, a program designed to provide intensive home visitation services to new parents, is widespread. This initiative, developed in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has been successful in strengthening families and preventing child abuse.

Dr. Anne Cohn Donnelly, Executive Director of NCPCA notes, "Child abuse has become a major public health issue in our country. But it is a problem that can and must be prevented before it occurs. Our energies and our resources should be directed at programs that will reduce the shocking statistics from our latest 50-state survey."

The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse is a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organization, established in Chicago in 1972. This year marks the organization's 25th year of striving to prevent child abuse in all its forms.

	Home | What's New | About NCPCA | Program | Advocacy | Research | Chapters | Special Features | What You Can Do | [Parenting Tips | Youth Focus | Contacting NCPCA | Work@NCPCA | Resources | Child Abuse Facts | NCPCA Events | Reprint Form
	Gifts that support child abuse prevention!  Greeting Cards and Angel Pins for the Holiday