Young children at highest risk in state's annual fatal maltreatment report

Young children at highest risk in state's annual fatal maltreatment report

Young children at highest risk in state’s annual fatal maltreatment report

INDIANAPOLIS — Fifty-nine children died of caregiver abuse or neglect in 2024, according to an annual report from the Indiana Department of Child Services released Monday, Dec. 30, just before the end of 2025.

Indiana Child Abuse & Neglect Deaths

The Indiana Department of Child Services shows fifty-nine children died from abuse or neglect in 2024. The annual study found that over seventy percent of the victims were age three or younger, with most deaths occurring at the hands of a biological parent. Investigators cited substance abuse and low income as the primary stressors leading to these tragedies. State officials are using the data to urge Hoosiers to use the child abuse hotline if t…

Indiana sees rise in child fatalities due to abuse and neglect in 2024

INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has released its annual report for calendar year 2024, revealing a concerning increase in child fatalities linked to caregiver maltreatment. 2024_Annual_Report_of_Child_Abuse_and_Neglect_Fatalities_in_IndianaDownload According to the report published in December 2025, DCS investigated 276 suspected cases of abuse or neglect-related fatalities, up from 261 in 2023. Of those investigated, 59…