Georgia had a 49% drop in substantiated child maltreatment cases (2016 to 2017). This can be partially attributed to new laws and policies that began mid-2016 as the Child Abuse Registry (CAR), legislation was implemented.
- GA started collecting and reporting personal info on alleged child abusers from substantiated maltreatment cases in the CAR.
- Even if specific allegations are not substantiated, the Division may open a case (Family Preservation or Support) and provide services to families. The total number of families receiving services from the Division continues to increase.
- The Division is moving away from incident focused cases to a determination of safety. A substantiation of child abuse is not the driver for services as it once was.
Types of Child Maltreatment
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
BUT THERE IS MORE TO THE STORY!
Positive childhood experiences (PCE) can influence adult well-being even in the presence of ACEs. New research has found that PCEs were associated with better outcomes in adulthood, even for adults who also reported ACEs.
The Cost of Maltreatment
*A Quality-Adjusted Life Year includes intangible costs due to pain, suffering, and grief resulting from child abuse & neglect among victims and communities.
QALYS should be reported separately, and are not included in the Total Direct Costs.
Research has shown there is NO significant difference in developmental outcomes for
Children with a substantiated child abuse and neglect case
VS.
Children subject to an investigation but not substantiated
Resources in your Community
There are many situations where families just need support and resources. The 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800- 244-5373) Helpline is an information and referral phone number and online resource map. Callers will speak to a resource navigator who cares and wants to help connected them to appropriate resources in their communities Monday through Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.
To Report Child Maltreatment
Suspected child abuse or neglect should be reported to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453) or going online to complete a mandated reporter form at cps.dhs.ga.gov. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or your local police department.
1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Children’s Bureau. (2019). Child Maltreatment 2017. Available from https://www.acf.hhs.gov/cb/resource/child-maltreatment-2017
2. Review Panel Annual Report-Calendar Year 2016. Atlanta, GA. (2018).
3. The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2018). Kids Count Databook 2016. Baltimore, MD
4. Peterson, C., Florence, C. & Klevens, J. (2018). The economic burden of child maltreatment in the United States, 2016. Child Abuse & Neglect, 86. 178-183.
5. Hussey, J., Marshall, J., English, D., Knight, E., Lau, A. Dubowitz, H. et al. (2005). Defining maltreatment according to substantiation. Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(5), 479-492.
6. The Georgia Department of Public Health. (2018). Georgia Data Summary: Adverse Childhood Experiences. Retrieved from: https://abuse.publichealth.gsu.edu/files/2019/01/ACE_datasummary_April_2018_final.pdf