Pennsylvania Reports 50% Rise In Child Abuse Deaths & Near Fatalities From 2014 To 2016

Between 2014 and 2016, the number of suspected child fatalities and near fatalities in Pennsylvania due to child abuse rose by 50%, from 156 in 2014 to 235 in 2016. The share substantiated as child abuse increased by 44%, from 88 in 2014 to 127 in 2016. Between 2009 and 2014, there was not a significant change in the overall numbers of child fatalities and near fatalities initially reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) ChildLine (child abuse hotline) as suspected child abuse, or in the number of incidents substantiated as child abuse after investigation. For a report . . .