Statistics

The future prosperity of our state is built on the healthy development of children today. All children deserve to grow up in nurturing environments that foster their healthy development. Investments in programs that help parents learn better ways to communicate and interact with their children make parents better able to provide the loving, stable homes children need. Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina supports evidence-based and promising programs that have been proven through research to increase positive interactions between parents and children.

Research on child abuse public awareness shows communities feel less empowered to prevent abuse when events and news stories focus on terrible tragedies and fatalities. If you are planning an awareness event or writing an article, we encourage you to focus on your community’s ability to raise safe, happy, healthy children and on programs and services that are in place to ensure children are in nurturing environments at home, in school, and in the community.

North Carolina law requires that any adult who suspects that abuse is occurring must make a report. Click here for information on how to make a referral in the state of North Carolina.

Child Abuse and Neglect in North Carolina – SFY 2011-2012

133,571 children were referred to local Department of Social Service (DSS) agencies for possible abuse and neglect in state fiscal year (SFY) 2011-2012.

North Carolina uses the Multiple Response System (MRS) to respond to suspected child abuse and neglect. Every referral is investigated through a strengths-based, family-centered assessment conducted by either local law enforcement or the local DSS. These professionals recognize that parents want what is best for their children, and that many families face issues that make parenting more challenging. When you refer a family to DSS, you are actually referring them for services that will strengthen the family as a whole.

North Carolina’s Multiple Response System

NC Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics : To see data for one county or a region of the state, select the county or region from the drop down box at the top right of the page

NC Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics Longitudinal Data

NC Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics Point in Time Data

Child Fatalities in North Carolina

24 children died at the hand of a parent or caregiver in North Carolina in 2011 (the latest data available). The number of fatalities varies from year to year and deaths result from a range of situations.

NC Child Fatality Task Force 2011 Child Death Report Release

For more information: NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect

CDC: Child abuse and neglect cost the United States $124 billion