April is Child Abuse Prevention Month 

Texas communities tackle the scourge of child abuse 

Child abuse is a major problem across the nation, and Texas is no exception. Child Protective Services (CPS) completed 174,740 investigations last year in Texas and confirmed that 63,657 children were victims of abuse or neglect. That’s an eight and a half percent (8.5%) increase in the number of victims compared to the previous year.

“We must all get involved to make children safer – whether it’s a teacher or a neighbor that reports suspected abuse or a church or charitable organization that helps parents and families,” said Henry “Hank” Whitman, Jr, commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS).

DFPS is participating with many partners in hundreds of child abuse awareness and prevention efforts throughout the month of April. Some events start in late March. You can find events in your city or county on HelpandHope.org, the DFPS prevention website.

Parents can also find a wealth of helpful information on the website including a number of fun but educational videos, articles by experts, and other tips designed to help parents deal with some of the most challenging aspects of parenting – everything from bedtime battles to the challenges of being a first-time dad. The site also connects parents and teens to services in their communities. Plus, DFPS’HelpAndHopeKids Facebook page shares fun and helpful ideas and resources for families.

DFPS Prevention Hotlines and Websites

Key Statistics

  • 174,740       Completed CPS investigations
  • 63,657         Confirmed victims of child abuse or neglect
  • 172              Child deaths related to abuse or neglect
  • 44,303         Youth served by DFPS prevention programs
  • 10,015         Families served by DFPS prevention programs
  • 238,584       Users of HelpAndHope.org

All statistics are by Texas fiscal year 2017 (Sept. 1, 2016-Aug. 31, 2017). Find more statistics in the DFPS Data Book.