Several new reports* are showing a downward trend in the rates of child abuse and neglect. Many advocates and professionals in the area are trying to make sense of the data. But, the news is good. It means our collective efforts at improving response and services to abused children combined with significant prevention efforts aimed at increasing awareness and education are working. But, there is still much work that needs to be done.
Chris Newlin, the Executive Director of the National Children’s Advocacy Center provides some interesting insight on what it all means to those of us in the field. Read the NCAC’s response, Child Abuse Is on the Decline – Now What?. This article does a good job of explaining how important it is for all of us to stay the course in the fight against child abuse.
* Finkelhor & Jones, 2006; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2009, 2010 and U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (2009). National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect. NIS-4. 2004-2009.
