Child abuse, neglect cases in Oklahoma rise for third year

Oklahoma is another state whose occurrences of child abuse have increased. This story refers to the US Department of Health and Human Services data that suggests that child abuse is decreasing nationwide, but, in light of so many state budgets decreasing support for child welfare over the last six years, the data must be questioned.  

The number of Oklahoma children who were mistreated physically and emotionally has increased for a third consecutive year, data from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services show.

There were 11,418 children in the state who were victims of child abuse or neglect during fiscal year 2013. The most recent data show a nearly 58 percent increase in child victims since fiscal year 2010, when 7,248 Oklahoma children were harmed.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is working with staff at Casey Family Programs to determine what is causing the dramatic increase in child victimization, department spokeswoman Sheree Powell said.

Seattle-based Casey Family Programs is a foundation that works to provide, improve and prevent the need for foster care nationwide.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/local/child-abuse-neglect-cases-in-oklahoma-rise-for-third-year/article_d40c0618-ff68-5b39-84d6-5e71c85753a2.html