Jackson ‘deeply concerned’ about Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities report

INDIANAPOLIS – Wednesday, Sept. 18, the Interim Study Committee on Child Services met to discuss the latest Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities Report.

State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), a member of the committee, released the following statement: 

“No matter how you look at it, the data shown in the latest Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities report is deeply disturbing. Every single child lost to the cruelty of abuse and neglect is a heart-wrenching tragedy. The numbers have been far too high for far too many years. 

“According to this report, between 2016 and 2022, 421 children lost their lives due to mistreatment by the people trusted to care for them. The number of fatalities was consistent year after year. I am concerned about the qualifications of those investigating these tragedies as they just continue to happen at the same rate.   

“These investigations seem to be just checking the boxes. The well-being and lives of children should not be simplified down to a box to check. 

“Thirteen of the children that died this year had previous involvement with the Department of Child Services. Those deaths could have been prevented. We need to take a deep look at our current system and make changes that will provide greater protection for our most vulnerable population. 

“No child or family should ever be put through this horror. As a state, we need to put all possible resources into protecting Hoosier children from falling victim to these tragedies.”