Child Maltreatment 2023

This report presents national data about child abuse and neglect known to child protective services agencies in the United States during federal fiscal year 2023.

Table of Contents

Letter from the Commissioner

Acknowledgements

Summary

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

• Background of NCANDS 
• Annual Data Collection Process
• 2020 Census
• NCANDS as a Resource
• Structure of the Report 

CHAPTER 2: Reports

• Screening 
• Report Sources 
• CPS Response Time 
• CPS Workforce and Caseload
• Exhibit and Table Notes

CHAPTER 3: Children

• Alternative Response 
• Unique and Duplicate Counts 
• Children Who Received an Investigation or Alternative Response 
• Children Who Received an Investigation or Alternative Response by Disposition
• Number of Child Victims
• Child Victim Demographics 
• Maltreatment Types 
• Focus on Maltreatment Categories
• Perpetrator Relationship
• Risk Factors
• Reporting Infants With Prenatal Substance Exposure to NCANDS
• Number of Infants With Prenatal Substance Exposure
• Screened-in Infants With Prenatal Substance Exposure Who Have a Plan of Safe Care
• Screened-in Infants With Prenatal Substance Exposure Who Have a Referral to Appropriate Services
• Exhibit and Table Notes 

CHAPTER 4: Fatalities

• Number of Child Fatalities 
• Child Fatality Demographics
• Maltreatment Types
• Risk Factors 
• Perpetrator Relationship 
• Prior CPS Contact 
• Exhibit and Table Notes 

CHAPTER 5: Perpetrators

• Number of Perpetrators 
• Perpetrator Demographics 
• Perpetrator Relationship 
• Exhibit and Table Notes

CHAPTER 6: Services

• Prevention Services  
• Postresponse Services  
• History of Receiving Services  
• Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 
• Exhibit and Table Notes 

APPENDIX A: CAPTA Data Items

APPENDIX B: Glossary

APPENDIX C: State Characteristics

APPENDIX D: State Commentary