Current Trends in Child Abuse Reporting and Fatalities: The Results of the 1990 Annual Fifty State Survey. Working Paper Number 808.

This report details results of an early 1991 national survey of federal liaisons for state child abuse and neglect programs. Nationwide, child abuse reports increased 31% between 1985 and 1990. An estimated 39 out of every 1,000 U.S. children were reported as victims of child maltreatment, an average 4% increase over the previous year which is a slower growth rate than reported in the first half of the previous decade. A table presents reports by state for each of the past 5 years. The state showing the greatest decline in reports (Virginia) reported this might be due to elimination of duplicate reports as a result of a new computer system. Notable increases in reports were usually attributed to both a real increase in the incidence of maltreatment (often attributed to increased substance abuse) and more accurate reporting. Substantiation rates were not standardized across states. Only 26 states could provide an estimate as to the percentage of substantiated cases which received services (a mean of 78%). Data on type of maltreatment is summarized for 22 states. Also reported are child maltreatment fatalities by state (a national total of 1,211 during 1990). Briefly discussed are effects of increased substance abuse, child welfare services, and policy implications. Footnotes are included. (DB)