Facts about Child Abuse

Child Abuse is Far Too Prevalent in Our Society

In the United States

• 4 Children per day die as a result of abuse or neglect
• Every 10 seconds a child is victimized by abuse and/or neglect
• The rate of child abuse is 10 times the rate of cancer

Statistics on Texas Children in Transition

• 2006: Texas has approximately 34,275 children in the foster care system
• 2007: Texas has approximately 33,615 children in the foster care system
• 2008: Texas has approximately 31,058 children in the foster care system
• 2009: Texas has approximately 27,422 children in the foster care system
• 2010: Texas has approximately 29,072 children in the foster care system

Removal of Children from Abusive/Neglectful Environments

Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) is responsible for identifying and responding to cases of physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, medical neglect, physical neglect, neglectful supervision or refusal of parental responsibility of our state's children.

• In 2006, the State of Texas confirmed 67,737 victims of child abuse/neglect.
• In 2007, the State of Texas confirmed 71,344 victims of child abuse/neglect.
• In 2008, the State of Texas confirmed 70,589 victims of child abuse/neglect.
• In 2009, the State of Texas confirmed 68,326 victims of child abuse/neglect.
• In 2010, the State of Texas confirmed 66,897 victims of child abuse/neglect.

CPS confirmed abuse/neglect as the cause of death for:

• 2006: 227 children. More than 41% were under 1 year of age, and 30% were 1-3 years of age.
• 2007: 223 children.
• 2008: 213 children.
• 2009: 280 children.
• 2010: 227 children.

Foster Care

When it is not safe for children to live with their own families, CPS petitions the court to remove the children from their homes. They may be placed temporarily with relatives, a verified foster family, or an emergency shelter. Verified foster families provide a safe, nurturing environment for most children in CPS care. Foster families receive reimbursements for the cost of caring for children. CPS is required to arrange all medical, dental and therapeutic services needed by the child. Some children have special emotional needs or other disabilities that can be difficult to address in a foster home. These children may be placed in specialized group homes, residential treatment centers or other facilities.

Therapeutic Care

For children who are unable to make an immediate transition to foster care, longer term residential care in licensed facilities provide care and therapy.

Permanent Adoption

• In 2006, the State of Texas completed 3,376 adoptions of displaced children.
• In 2007, the State of Texas completed 4,023 adoptions of displaced children.
• In 2008, the State of Texas completed 4,517 adoptions of displaced children.
• In 2009, the State of Texas completed 4,859 adoptions of displaced children.
• In 2010, the State of Texas completed 4,803 adoptions of displaced children.

Teens Transitioning out of Foster Care

Upon reaching age 18, youth transition out of the state's care to independent living. Additional resources for this population can be accessed at www.texasyouthconnection.org

All of the above information is referenced from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' Child Protective Services annual report, 2006. (www.dfps.state.tx.us)