More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and
neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies. Many
victims don't receive help because they are not reported to the system. These
abused and neglected children span all ages, races, religions and socio-economic
backgrounds. Child maltreatment includes actions that result in imminent risk of
serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or
exploitation of a child under age 18 by a parent or caretaker.
When
parents can't, don't or won't protect their children, the Department of Children
& Families steps in to help, providing a full spectrum of services, from
parenting classes and respite care to transportation and child care. The goal of
the department is to keep children safe in their own families when possible.