First Star's Child Abuse and Neglect State Profiles
highlight each state's effort to protect America's vulnerable
children. The profiles consist of a range of data collected
through government agencies and touch on the many different
aspects of the child welfare system. Though statistics alone
cannot fully illustrate the states' efforts, they are helpful
in understanding the magnitude of the problem.
For each indicator, the state percentage or rate is presented
along with the corresponding national average. In some
cases, the corresponding Child and Family Service Review National
Standard also appears. These standards were established by
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine
state conformity with federal child welfare requirements.
Relevant explanations of indicators appear in the Comments
column; for further clarification please refer to the State
Profile Definitions.
