Child Maltreatment 2024

Publication Date: January 16, 2026
Current as of:
Cover of the “Child Maltreatment 2024” report, marking the 35th year of national data collection. The background features silhouettes of adults and children standing on a multicolored puzzle floor, symbolizing the complexity and interconnectedness of child welfare. A circular emblem in the top right reads “35th Year of Reporting.” The bottom includes logos and text for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, an

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  • Pages: 294
  • Published: 2026

Introduction

This report presents national data about child abuse and neglect known to child protective services agencies in the United States during federal fiscal year 2024. 

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Summary

CHAPTER 1: Introduction

  • Background of NCANDS
  • Annual Data Collection Process
  • 2020 Census
  • NCANDS as a Resource
  • Structure of the Report 

CHAPTER 2: Reports

  • Screening
  • Report Sources
  • CPS Response Time
  • CPS Workforce and Caseload
  • Exhibit and Table Notes

CHAPTER 3: Children

  • Alternative Response  
  • Unique and Duplicate Counts  
  • Children Who Received an Investigation or Alternative Response  
  • Children Who Received an Investigation or Alternative Response by Disposition
  • Number of Child Victims
  • Child Victim Demographics  
  • Maltreatment Types  
  • Focus on Single Types of Maltreatments
  • Focus on Substantiations
  • Perpetrator Relationship  
  • Risk Factors
  • Reporting Infants with Prenatal Substance Exposure Data to NCANDS
  • Number of Infants with Prenatal Substance Exposure
  • Screened-in Infants with Prenatal Substance Exposure Who Have a Plan of Safe Care Screened-in Infants with Prenatal Substance Exposure Who Have a Referral to  
    Appropriate Services

CHAPTER 4: Fatalities

  • Number of Child Fatalities Child Fatality Demographics Maltreatment Types
  • Risk Factors
  • Perpetrator Relationship Prior CPS Contact
  • Exhibit and Table Notes

CHAPTER 5: Perpetrators

  • Number of Perpetrators
  • Perpetrator Demographics
  • Perpetrator Relationship
  • Exhibit and Table Notes

CHAPTER 6: Services

  • Prevention Services
  • Postresponse Services
  • History of Receiving Services
  • Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

APPENDIX A: CAPTA Data Items

APPENDIX B: Glossary

APPENDIX C: State Characteristics

APPENDIX D: State Commentary