Number of Child Abuse and Neglect - Substantiated Reports

This measure indicates the number of maltreatment reports that were substantiated to be child abuse or neglect by a caretaker. "Substantiated" means an Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) investigation has concluded maltreatment occurred under state law or policy. The data provides a duplicated count of the number of children with substantiated findings. This means that one child may be counted multiple times if there are numerous allegations or a number of reports substantiated during the fiscal year involving that particular child.

* National data for fiscal year 2012 is currently not available.

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Protecting children from family abuse and neglect is the objective of OKDHS Child Welfare Services (CWS). This program receives reports of abuse and neglect, conducts investigations and assessments, and makes recommendations to the court when abuse or neglect is substantiated. This measure is reported to show the rate of substantiated maltreatment of children across the state of Oklahoma. Child abuse and neglect is often discussed in terms of physical, psychological, behavioral and societal consequences while in reality it affects all aspects of the victim's life.

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In 2011, Oklahoma experienced a lower rate of child victimization (8.4 per 1,000 children) than the national average (9.1 per 1,000 children). In fiscal year 2012, OKDHS received more than 68,000 reports of alleged child maltreatment related to 115,963 children. More than 5,500 of those reports were substantiated involving 9,842 children. Several factors can affect the report of child abuse. For instance, a highly-publicized case of abuse or neglect can result in an increase of public reporting. OKDHS and the Children's Bureau within the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services strive to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being of all children by working together to develop programs to prevent child abuse.

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Child Protective Services (CPS) strives to protect the safety of children and to provide services to help families with any difficulties that cause the safety of their children to be at risk. OKDHS receives reports of abuse and neglect, conducts investigations and assessments, and makes recommendations to the court when abuse or neglect is substantiated. OKDHS CWS does not have the authority to remove children from their homes. Law enforcement may place a child in protective custody and a judge may place a child in the custody of OKDHS. When possible, OKDHS CWS staff and law enforcement jointly respond to determine whether a child is safe. A newly established, centralized, statewide hotline and continued training improvements are a few of the ongoing initiatives OKDHS has implemented to help stop child abuse and neglect. 

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