How Many Children Are Victims Of Maltreatment?
In 1997, CPS agencies determined that just under 1 million children were victims of substantiated or indicated child abuse and neglect. The term “substantiated” refers to a confirmed maltreatment charge according to the level of evidence required by State law or State policy. The term “indicated” is used in some States when there is not enough evidence to prove a case under State law or policy, but there is reason to suspect that maltreatment occurred, or there is risk of future maltreatment. Several studies suggest that more children suffer from abuse or neglect than are evident in official statistics from State CPS agencies. Based on reports received and investigated by CPS, about 13.9 children under 18 per 1000 in the general population were victims of abuse or neglect. In comparison, the NIS-3 estimated that 42 children per 1000 in the population were harmed or endangered by maltreatment.
In 2001, CPS agencies determined approximately 1.1 million children were victims of substantiated or indicated child abuse and neglect. The term “substantiated” means that an allegation of maltreatment was confirmed according to the level of evidence required by the State law or State policy. The term “indicated” is an investigation finding used by some States when there is insufficient evidence to substantiate a case under State law or policy, but there is reason to suspect that maltreatment occurred or that there is risk of future maltreatment.
