In 1999, there were an estimated 826,000 victims of maltreatment nationwide. Equivalent to a rate of 11.8 victims per 1,000 children, this demonstrated a decrease from the 1998 rate of 12.6.

2. What types of children are abused or neglected?

Child abuse and neglect affects children of all ages. Nationally, in 1999, almost three-fifths of all victims (58.4%) suffered from neglect and the most victimized children were in the 0-3 age group. Female victims slightly outnumbered male victims, especially in cases of sexual abuse. African-American children had the highest maltreatment rates, followed by American Indians/Alaska Natives, Hispanics, Whites, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.

3. Who perpetrates abuse and neglect on children?

A perpetrator is defined as someone who has maltreated a child while in a caretaking relationship to the child. In 1999, most child abuse and neglect victims (87.3%) were maltreated by one or both parents. Other persons in caretaking roles, such as other relatives, day care providers, and residential facility staff, were perpetrators of child maltreatment.

Slightly more than 60 percent of perpetrators were female and they were typically younger than male perpetrators. Neglect and medical neglect were most often attributed to female perpetrators, while male perpetrators were more likely to be physically and sexually abusive.

4. Who is responsible for protecting children from abuse and neglect?

In 1999, more than half (54.7%) of all reports received by CPS agencies alleging child maltreatment were submitted by professionals, including educators, medical staff, law enforcement and social service personnel, and others. Nonprofessionals, including family and community members, submitted the remaining 45.3 percent of reports.

5. How many children die from abuse and neglect?

An estimated 1,100 children died as a result of abuse and neglect in 1999. Children age 6 and under accounted for more than three-quarters of these child fatalities. Infants under 1 year of age comprised approximately 43 percent of these deaths. The majority (80.9%) of maltreatment fatalities were committed by one or more parents.

6. How many abused or neglected children are placed in foster care each year? How many eventually return home?

Nationally, an estimated 171,000 victims of child abuse and neglect were placed in foster care to protect them from further maltreatment. This figure is likely underestimated because of the complexities of recording service provision data. Based on data from 21 reporting States, 5.1 percent of child victims had been reunited with their families after a stay in foster care within the previous 5 years.