Release Date: Apr 25, 2007
File:

Summary:
2006 Child Abuse Investigations in Montgomery County Released
April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month

Figures released by the Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services (MCDJFS) reveal that new investigations of child abuse and neglect increased 5.7 percent in 2006.  Year-end totals from the department's Children Services Division indicate there were 4,044 new investigations of child abuse and neglect compared to 3,826 in 2005.

"Any increase of a problem that is preventable is troublesome," said Interim MCDJFS Director Christy Norvell.  "Child abuse and neglect is preventable and it's incumbent upon every citizen to do what they can to protect the children of our county."

Children Services assisted 18,249 children and 6,370 families in 2006.  Here's a breakdown of new child abuse/neglect investigations for 2006:

Sexual abuse:  470
Physical abuse: 817
Emotional abuse: 475
Neglect:         1,738
Dependency: 336
Other: 208

April is Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to child abuse and neglect.  Nationally, four children die every day from child abuse and neglect.  Ohio's rate of child abuse and neglect ranked ninth in the nation at 17.4 victims per 1,000 children. The national average is 12.3.

To report child abuse and neglect contact a local law enforcement agency or call Children Services at 224-KIDS.  Children along with seniors and families are protected through support of the Human Services Levy.