CHILD ABUSE

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that child protective service agencies in the United States received about 3 million referrals of possible child abuse in 2000. Of these, approximately 879,000 cases were substantiated after investigation. Almost two-thirds (62 percent) suffered neglect; 19 percent were physically abused; 10 percent were sexually abused and 8 percent were psychologically maltreated. HSS. Prevent Child Abuse Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.   more... The Children's Bureau The Children's Bureau is responsible for assisting states in the delivery of child welfare services - services designed to protect children and strengthen families. The agency provides grants to states, tribes and communities to operate a range of child welfare services.   more... Childhelp USA® National Child Abuse Hotline Serving the United States, Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam, the hotline is staffed 24 hours daily with professional crisis counselors who utilize a database of 55,000 resources. Since its 1982 inception, more than 2 million calls have been received from children in the midst of abuse, troubled parents, individuals concerned that abuse is occurring, and others requesting child abuse information.   more... National Center for Missing and Exploited Children The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) works with law enforcement in the U.S. and throughout the world to bring missing children home and help sexually exploited children.   more...