This indicator represents the rate of abuse or neglect per 1000 of Utah child population. This calculation for this indicator is the number of distinct confirmed victims of abuse or neglect for each year divided by the child population for the year and then multiplied by 1000. 

This measure is used by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and aggregated in the Child Maltreatment report they release each year. 

Rate of abuse and neglect data source: Utah's SAFE database (child welfare data system). 
Child population data source: ACS (US Census Bureau) 5-year estimates, which tend to be more accurate than either the 1-year or mixing census types.

Experiencing child abuse and neglect can have lasting, serious effects on a child's physical and mental health. The Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) partners with community organizations to reduce the number of children affected by abuse and neglect. By tracking these numbers, DCFS can measure how well its programs are working to keep children safe in Utah. From 2019 to 2024, Utah’s rate of child abuse and neglect decreased from 11.7 to 9.4 cases per 1,000 children. In 2025, there was a slight increase to 10.0 cases per 1,000 children, which DCFS is monitoring closely. Utah’s rate may appear higher than the national average in part because Utah reports cases involving both in-home and out-of-home perpetrators, whereas other states report only in-home cases. This difference in reporting practices should be taken into account when comparing rates across states. DCFS will continue to study the reasons behind these changes and focus on prevention efforts to help lower the rates again.