| Preventing Child Abuse In Indiana | |||||
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Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and supportive home without harm, neglect or abuse. The scars of physical or emotional trauma can last a lifetime.
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In some cases, abuse is so severe, it can end in a tragic loss. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, an average of five children die every day nationwide from child abuse. In Indiana, 281 children died from child abuse in 2020, according to a study from the Indiana Department of Child Services. Last October, 4-year-old Judah Morgan, of LaPorte County, died from blunt force trauma after alleged child abuse, according to court records. In response, state legislators passed a new law to expand the state’s reporting on child deaths, which could help children in need sooner and prevent tragedies. House Enrolled Act 1247 will help collect more data that can be used by DCS, and state and local officials to better identify risk factors and develop stronger policies to protect Indiana’s most vulnerable. |
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The goal is to learn from these tragedies, intervene sooner, increase public awareness and draft better laws to protect these children.The National Child Abuse Coalition estimates at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. The Indiana Department of Child Services says it receives around 15,000 phone calls every month to report suspected child abuse or neglect in our state. If you suspect abuse, it must be reported to the state’s Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. Reports can be made anonymously 24/7. |
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