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Eight out of 10 people who caused the death of a child by abuse or neglect in Indiana in 2022 were the child’s parents, according to an annual report by the state’s child welfare agency.
The Indiana Department of Child Services investigated 308 child deaths in 2022 and determined that 61 were a result of abuse or neglect. Among the 80 people accused of contributing to the death of the child, 64 (80%) were the child’s biological parents. In some cases, more than one person contributed to the death.
The total number of deaths is up from 271 in 2021.
In 46 cases (75%), the death occurred at the child’s home, the report said. Seventeen of the deaths were due to abuse, and 44 were due to neglect.
More than two-thirds of the deaths involved a child 3 years old or younger, which is consistent with national trends, the report said.
The leading cause of death (36%) was death by weapon, which includes by a body part, such as a fist, the report said. Other factors included unsafe sleeping arrangements, caregiver substance abuse, failure to supervise a child and driving while intoxicated.
The Annual Report of Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in Indiana details the circumstances leading to each fatality and highlights the factors that put children in danger. The data is helpful in developing prevention, educational and service programs, DCS said, as well as in evaluating and modifying state policies and procedures.
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