Texas Child Fatalities from Abuse and Neglect Surge

Last fiscal year, a total of 280 children in Texas lost their lives due to child abuse or neglect, according to the latest data book from the state Department of Family and Protective Services. KUT Radio reports that this is the highest level of fatalities from abuse and neglect on record for Texas children, and the San Antonio Express-News notes that more children died due to abuse or neglect in every major county in the state, except for Tarrant Count. This unwelcome news follows a report late last year from the national nonprofit Every Child Matters, which found that Texas had far more child abuse deaths than any other state last decade. (It should be noted: some commentators have emphasized that not all states count child abuse and neglect fatalities the same way, leading to a potential overcount for our state.)

 

Rates of child abuse do escalate in times of economic hardship, but state investments in preventing abuse--through adequate funding for Child Protective Services--also can lead to better outcomes for children. The good news is that a federal report earlier this year found child abuse and neglect nationwide declined by 26% from 1993 to 2006, an indicator that child abuse is a problem we can solve. We invite you to join with us in ensuring all Texas kids have safe, loving homes through our Child Protection Promise work.