Deaths ‘01-’07:
55
Deaths ‘01-’07:
55
Deaths ‘01-’07:
55
We Can Do Better
Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America
Washington D.C.
Every Child Matters Education Fund
Washington, D.C.
1
This is a report sure to sadden - and perhaps to
anger. How could it be otherwise when we look at the
innocent faces of children whose lives were cut short
by abuse or neglect?
According to official federal statistics, 10,440 children
died from child abuse and neglect during the 2001-
2007 period examined in this report. Additionally,
several studies have concluded there actually is
significant undercounting of maltreatment deaths and
that the true number may be several thousands more
over the 2001-2007 period than the 10,440.
Much can be done to reduce these child abuse and
neglect deaths. There exists a vast body of knowledge
about healthy child growth and development,
including how to prevent abuse in the first place, and
how to protect children from further harm if abuse
should occur. But the sheer amount of child abuse and
neglect in America—already more than 20 million
reports of maltreatment made to government agencies
in this decadei—is certain evidence that, despite the
best efforts of the many who work daily to address this
problem, we continue to fall far short in applying our
knowledge.
The preventable deaths of at least 10,000 children in
a seven-year period demand the attention of policy
makers and elected officials at all levels. And while
the day to day direct responsibility for the protection
of at-risk children rests with thousands of local and
state child protection agencies, law enforcement,
and courts across the country, their efforts could be
greatly strengthened by expanding federal planning,
coordination, and funding aimed at reducing child
deaths.
President Obama and the 111th Congress already have
shown strong interest in child well-being in their early
policy and budget decisions. Now they must beef-up
federal involvement in addressing what is assuredly
a mat