April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize that we each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities.
Child Abuse in Texas
Child abuse and neglect is a problem of epidemic proportion. Below are some startling statistics on the scope of child abuse and neglect.
- Texas has the most fatalities from child abuse and neglect and ranks last in per capita spending on child-abuse prevention, according to a study conducted by Texans Care for Children, a child-advocacy agency.
- Studies reveal that children who have been abused and neglected are 25% more likely to experience problems such as delinquency, teen pregnancy, low academic achievement, drug use, and mental health problems.
- 1/3 of abused and neglected children will eventually victimize their own children.
Texas Statistics from FY 2014
- $1,503,949,484: State of Texas Department of Family and Protective Services budget
- 1 child is abused every eight minutes in Texas
- 31,176 children in foster care in Fiscal Year 2014
- 66,572 confirmed victims of child abuse in Fiscal Year 2014