Report: Indiana Child Abuse, Neglect Deaths Increase

Over 60 children died from abuse and neglect in state fiscal year 2017.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A new report shows abuse and lack of supervision has led to an increase in child fatality rate in Indiana.

The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) released last week its child fatality report for the fiscal year of 2017.

This year’s reports showed that 65 child deaths resulted from abuse or neglect, up from 59 child deaths in 2016.

Among the causes of death were children being left unattended near water or a caregiver’s failure to provide safe sleeping arrangements.

Lack of supervision often causes neglect-related deaths, especially in the case of drownings. The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds caregivers a child can drown in as little as one inch of water and should never be left unattended in a bathtub or near a body of water.

More safety tips and the full DCS report can be found at www.in.gov/dcs.

More from Local News


Events

Ripley Co. Sergeant Graduates West Point Leadership Cohort

40 Indiana public-safety leaders complete nationally recognized program; ISA surpasses 150 graduates in three years.

Kids Discovery Factory Breaks Ground on New Museum

The long-awaited project is underway in downtown Batesville.

Delaware Co. Deputy Struck & Killed While Helping Stranded Motorists

Local law enforcement agencies are urging motorists to abide by the state's Move Over Law.

Local Sports Report - November 11, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

L'Burg's LaBazzo, Oldenburg's Niese Among All-State Honorees

The ISCA have announced their 2025 Boys and Girls Soccer All-State Teams.

SEI Soccer Players Earn Academic All-State Honors

A long list of local student athletes earned the recognition.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Alan Jackson - There Goes

Kenny Chesney Don't Happen Twice 12:45
Megan Moroney I'm Not Pretty 12:42
Corey Kent This Heart 12:39
Zac Brown Band Goodbye In Her Eyes 12:29