Do you think HHS data on child abuse is accurate?

Jane, to me the biggest problem is the stuff that never gets reported -- I firmly believe in a down economy, where jobs and money are sparse, kids become targets for all kinds of abusive behaviors (based on the environments they are surrounded by)!  Sad to hear that funding is reducing for child protection...when things should be ramping up, to focus on PREVENTION! :)  You knew I'd get that in there, right?

Yep! And glad that you did!

Hi Jane - I would hope that someone triangulates these data and figures out that the heightened "eligibility" for a state to investigate a potential abuse complaint has resulted in many complaints going without a response.  I would wonder if the increase in mortality related to abuse isn't circular to this issue?  In Maine, our increase in child welfare enrollment is children <age 5, with the primary reason "neglect" and very often due to substance use challenges.  I talked with someone the other day who had referred a 15 year old after witnessing severe emotional and verbal abuse by the father.  The response was that this child was "old enough to walk out" of that situation .... which we know, of course, isn't true.  Our families are more isolated than ever, dealing with more stress than is often bearable, and fewer helpful and meaningful services there to assist.  Prevention is essential, as Brenda says - and should receive far more funding!  In Maine, our Medicaid doesn't pay for childbirth education classes.  Can you imagine!?  Childbirth Ed is about more than just having a baby - it is all about what you DO with the baby when you get it home!  So, this education is not available for a population that we can suspect may benefit from it the most AND (watch those impacting factors and unintended consequences) in the rural areas, where Medicaid enrollment is high - this means that there aren't enough paying families who can sustain a class.  Everyone consequently goes without. When will we learn that it is these low cost, early and effective supports that can result in the greatest outcomes?  As a state and a country, we are constantly funding and focusing on remediation ...  

Thanks so much for this feedback, Sue. That's very interesting about the heightened eligibility standards. I'll ask more people in other states about that. It's stunning about the response to the 15-year-old. Stunning.