Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Addressing the needs of children who have been abused or neglected is one of the most important goals of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF). To achieve this goal, ACYF collects data on child maltreatment through the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) and provides a summary of these data to policymakers, child welfare practitioners, researchers, and concerned citizens. By making these data available, the ACYF hopes to inform policy and practice and to assist our elected officials and child welfare professionals throughout the Nation as they develop policies, programs, and services aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens, our children.

This publication, Child Maltreatment 1998: Reports From the States to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System, is an important part of ACYF's efforts. For the ninth consecutive year, this volume serves as the vehicle through which the ACYF disseminates its national statistics on child abuse and neglect. We hope you find the presentation of the data and the analysis clear, interesting, and useful.

On behalf of the ACYF, I would like to thank the people who have made this publication possible. The efforts of State child protective services agencies and their staffs in providing data to the NCANDS have been indispensable and are gratefully acknowledged. In addition, the members of the State Advisory Group have been a constant source of sound advice and assistance as the NCANDS has developed and matured. Without their effort and contribution, we would not be able to publish Child Maltreatment 1998. Thanks to all of you.

Patricia Montoya
Commissioner
Administration on Children,
Youth and Families

Last Updated: February 15, 2006