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KIDS COUNT IN NEBRASKA 2011 REPORT
the children involved as substantiated victims. Children aged
records all types of abuse that apply to each child individu-
2 and under accounted for 1,426 (27.6%) of the children
ally. Over the years, neglect has been found to be the most
involved in substantiated cases. Younger children often
commonly substantiated form of child maltreatment. If a
display stronger evidence of abuse, which is therefore more
child has not been provided for emotionally, physically and/
likely to be reported.
or medically, it is considered neglect. Infants and children
Table 4.2 presents a complete summary of child
whose physical growth is significantly less than that of peers,
abuse and neglect reports for 2006-2010. Total reports
labeled “failure to thrive,” are often the result of neglect.
received are broken down into those alleging CAN. Of those
Neglect is the most common type of child maltreatment.
reports alleging CAN, totals are given according to those
Research indicates that poverty is often linked with neglect,
that were selected for assessment, for which assessment
in that a family’s financial means may limit its ability to pro-
was completed, and those that were in process at the time of
vide for a child’s basic needs.3 Indeed, reports of neglect of
reporting. Among completed assessments, further data are
children in poor households are more likely to lead to place-
provided for those that were substantiated, unfounded and
ment in out-of-home care, compared with neglect reports of
unable to locate. The percentage of ‘in process’ reports out
children in nonpoor households.4 In addition, differing cultural
of the total number of CAN reports accepted for assessment
standards regarding appropriate standards of care for chil-
rose to 5.3% from 4.7% in 2009.
dren may contribute to reports of maltreatment.5 Table 4.3 lists types of abuse that took place in sub-
Types of Maltreatment
stantiated cases of child abuse in Nebraska in 2010. A single
Neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse are the three main
child can experience more than one type of abuse. This is
classifications under the umbrella of child abuse. Because
why there are 5,169 child victims in 2010, while the total
children may experience more than one form of abuse, DHHS
number of abuse types totals 6,310.
Table 4.2: Child Abuse and Neglect Reports (2006-2010) Total Reports Received
2006 28,358
2007 30,135
2008 29,269
2009 30,309
2010 33,081
Reports Alleging Child Abuse or Neglect (CAN) Reports in Process, of Those Alleging CAN CAN Reports Selected for Assessment* CAN Reports, Completed Assessments Substatiated** Reports, of Completed Assessments Unfounded Reports, of Completed Assessments Unable to Locate, of Completed Assessments
24,173 85.2% 595 2.5% 12,629 52.2% 12,034 49.8% 3,065 25.5% 8,738 72.6% 231 1.9%
24,765 82.2% 1,775 7.2% 13,319 53.8% 11,544 46.6% 2,894 25.1% 8,412 72.9% 238 2.1%
24,073 82.2% 833 3.5% 13,460 55.9% 12,627 52.5% 3,260 25.8% 9,075 71.9% 292 2.3%
25,106 82.8% 663 2.6% 14,039 55.9% 13,376 53.3% 3,520 26.3% 9.522 71.2% 334 2.5%
28,666 86.7% 744 2.6% 14,161 49.4% 13,417 46.8% 3,396 25.3% 9,640 71.8% 381 28%
Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). * Investigation/Assessment Rate – Percent of reports alleging child abuse and neglect that were investigated or underwent safety assessment. ** Substantiation Rate – Percent of reports selected for investigation/assessment of child and abuse that were substantiated. For 2010, the number of investigations completed was 13,417. Thus, the 2010 substantiation rate was calculated using the completed investigation total and not the total number of cases selected for investigation (3,396/13,417).