NEEDS OF CHILDREN: CHILD ABUSE REFERRALS

What Was Measured?
The number of referrals for service for child abuse cases reported to Child Welfare Services of San Mateo County is measured.  Figures represent annual totals for each calendar year.

Why Is It Important?
Normal childhood development requires a safe, nurturing environment free of physical or verbal abuse.  A sustainable community requires monitoring the incidence of child abuse and taking sufficient measures to prevent further abuse.  Intervening early in child abuse cases leads to fewer physical, psychological, and emotional problems in the lives of the children that are affected and helps reduce the continuation of abuse to future generations of children.  An increase in the number of child abuse referrals reflects a more volatile community and, therefore, a greater need for 10000 child services, as well as prevention and education programs for adults.

What Was Found?
The number of referrals for the 1995 calendar year was 7,509, which represents a decline from the previous year's total of 8,144.    

What Is The Trend?
Since 1988, there has been a noticeable overall increase in the number of referrals for child abuse.  In 1992, the number of referrals increased by 122 percent from 1988 (3,955 to 8,796).  Within the past five years, however, the number has fluctuated, alternating in increases and decreases annually, suggesting that the figure is leveling off towards a figure of approximately 7,800, (average of past five years = 7,836).

Source: San Mateo County Child Welfare Services

Researcher: Carolina Jané