Child Abuse and Neglect

Goal: All children in Saginaw County will live in an environment free of abuse and neglect.

Measure

The number of confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect per 1,000 children aged 0-17.

Why This Indicator is Important

Research indicates that effective intervention and support reduces child abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, many families do not learn such support services exist prior to action by Child Protective Services (CPS). Thus, initial CPS contacts serve as both prevention and intervention actions. Repeat occurrences of child abuse and neglect often indicate a community failure to keep children safe, and reflects the complexity of working with multi-problem families.

The website www.childhelp.org highlights the following concerns about the impact of abuse and neglect:

  • Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as juveniles, 28% more likely to be arrested as adults, and 30% more likely to commit violent crimes.
  • Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
  • About 30% of abused and neglected children later abuse their own children.
  • About 75% of the people in treatment for drug abuse report being abused as children.
  • The estimated annual cost associated with child abuse and neglect in the United States in 2007 is $104 billion.

How Are We Doing?

Child abuse and neglect cases for Saginaw County have remained well above the state level in the last five years. After a slight decline in 2005 from the previous five years, the rates of reported abuse are once again increasing, reaching a high of twice the state average (per 1,000 children). Second, the number of families investigated has increased by 30% since 2007, while the state average only increased by 10%.

How Can You Have An Impact?

  • Support parenting education classes for high school students.
  • Contact Child Protective Services if you suspect abuse or neglect.
  • Support parents and offer respite care if needed.
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