Result 1. All children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments

Indicator 1.1. # of confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect per 1,000 children

10.42021

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About the Data

This indicator includes all children age 0-17 and is limited to reported, investigated, and finalized cases of abuse and neglect. The proportion of reports investigated and finalized has dropped between 2018 and 2020. All quantitative data and narrative related to the data on this page was prepared by CI NOW for ReadyKidSA.

Starting with Fiscal Year 2016, DFPS is no longer producing a static Data Book on child abuse. Instead, they produce an interactive Data Book, updated regularly, that allows you to search and configure charts and graphs across many years of data. CPS has updated the child population ages 0-17 from the previously published databooks. The child population increased for 2010-2011, which decreased the previously reported child abuse rates that were calculated from confirmed victims and child population. ReadyKidSA has calculated rates for 2010-2021 data based on the CPS dashboard.

Why Is This Important?

Child abuse and neglect can result in physical and psychological developmental delays. A neglectful mother may not feed her baby properly, which can slow brain development, or an emotionally abusive father may damage his child’s ability to form trusting relationships. Abused or neglected children can see the world as an unstable, frightening and dangerous place, which can undermine their sense of self-worth and their ability to cope with and adapt to their environments as they grow up. If unaddressed, maltreatment may contribute to later problems, such alcoholism/substance abuse, depression, domestic violence, multiple sexual partners and exposure to sexually transmitted disease, suicidal thoughts and attempts. (American Psychological Assoc., 2016)

For more information see: http:www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/understanding-child-abuse.aspx

Race/Ethnicity

Child Abuse and Neglect per 1,000 Children, by Race/Ethnicity
	2020/2021
By Race/Ethnicity	Confirmed Victims, 2021	Child Population, 2020*	Rate per 1,000
Anglo	715	97,093	7.4
African American	583	38,390	15.2
Asian	12	13,342	0.9
Hispanic	4,104	345,464	11.9
Other	224	NA	NA

Source: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 2020. US Census Bureau; ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table B01001 B-I, 2019

* Rates for Race/Ethnicity are calculated using ACS population statistics. This differs from the population estimates used by TDFPS.

Child Abuse and Neglect per 1,000 Children, by Age Group, 2020/2021

	Under 5	5-9 YO	10-14 YO	15-17 YO	0-9 YO	10-17 YO
Confirmed Victims	2,817	1,380	1,031	412	4,197	1,443
Child Population*	139,109	139,232	143,066	83,830	278,341	226,896
Rate per 1,000 Children	20.3	9.9	7.2	4.9	15.1	6.4

Source: Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 2020. US Census Bureau; ACS 5-Year Estimates, Table B01001, 2020

* Rates for age are calculated using ACS population statistics. This differs from the population estimates used by TDFPS.

Geographic Distribution

Story Behind the Curve

What factors are pushing up on the data?

Delay in assessments by DFPS
Turn over at DFPS
Under reported “taboo”
Households stressors
- Financial
- Lack of childcare
- Substance use/Mental health
- Domestic violence
- Cycle of trauma
Lack of cultural competency provider bias
- Cultural - Hispanics/African-Americans
Parenting knowledge about child development

What factors are pushing down on the data?

Home visitation programs
Intervention and prevention
Connecting to resource
increased awareness and messaging
Provider bias
- Pediatricians, teachers, police, reporters, etc.
Decrease in teen births
Parenting knowledge bout child development
Efficient Disaggregated data
- Better breakdown to meet needs of families

Partners

Family Service Association
Schools
Law enforcement
Any Baby Can
Avance
Catholic Charities
Center for Healthcare Services
Centro Med
Child Advocates of San Antonio
Children’s Hospital
Child Safe
Children’s Shelter
Churches

Clarity
DFPS Rape Crisis
ECI
Elected officials
- De La Hood, Montamayor, Sakai, Uresti
Family Violence Prevention
Food Bank Metro Health
Municipal Court
Parks & R3ec
SAPD
San Antonio Housing Authority United Way
Voices for Children

What Works

Evidence-Based Practices

Parents as Teachers
Nurturing Curriculum
Nurse Family Partnership
Stewards of Children
ACES
Cure Violence
Trust-based relational intervention program or service
Early Head Start
HIPPY

Promising Practices

School staff training
Media Campaing
Mareketing
Education & Awareness for community & professionals

No Cost Low Cost Solutions

Period of Purple Crying (Shaken Baby)
2-1-1
Sleepskids SIIDS/SUDS

Outside the Box Thinking

Peer to Peer 3^rd Party Mentorship
Increased school district involvement for prevention messaging
child focused
ReadyKidSA/Blue Ribbon Taskforce hotline 2-1-1 on steroids
Community organizers – door to door
Education for DFPRS workers and service providers

Solutions and Strategies

Direct Service

Better inform parents and expectant parents about child development, conduct parenting classes at schools, Head Start, Pre-K, etc. (Maybe at the hospitals post delivery), and provide information at all typical access points
Because the issues are intertwined and pervasive, expand mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence services to families experiencing child abuse or child neglect

Policy

Review existing Policy on the stigma or negative image associated with parenting classes. Exercise caution about the stigma associated with child abuse vs being a better parent
Conduct a Gap analysis on the need vs. availability for mental health and substance abuse programs

Other

Utilize faith-based networks and systems serving youth to educate everyone about prevention & awareness
Launch a mobile app that puts more information into the hands of residents/parents
Conduct home-based respite care