The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) investigated 276 child deaths in 2024 and determined 59 were a result of abuse or neglect.
The Annual Report of Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities in Indiana details the circumstances leading to each fatality and highlights the risk factors that put children in danger. Indiana code requires DCS to produce the annual report.
According to the report, 18 of the fatalities were due to abuse, and 41 were the result of neglect. The majority (71%) of the fatalities involved a child 3 years old or younger.
Causes of death were taken from state death certificates. Death by weapon, including body part, was the leading cause of death, listed in 20% of cases. Unsafe sleep conditions, drowning and poisoning, including overdose or acute intoxication, were also leading factors.
DCS reviews all child fatalities that meet the following circumstances:
- For children under 3 years of age: The death is sudden, unexpected or unexplained, or involves allegations of abuse and neglect.
- For children age 3 or older: The death involves allegations of abuse or neglect.
The full report can be found here.
More information on child abuse and neglect prevention can be found here.
LCMH Podiatry Clinic moves to new location
LCHS to host program on local hermit
Illinois to get additional federal healthcare funding
Prep your vehicle for winter weather
Expanded opportunities for incarcerated Hoosiers through 10-year Ivy Tech partnership
Southwestern Indiana fatal accident victim identified
Bridgeport to look at property ordinance revision
Conservation officers remind hunters to prioritize safety during deer season
Knox County caucus set to replace Streeter
Unit 20 Board to replace football field turf
Escaped Tennessee convict taken into custody
Conviction appeal denied for Ray Tate
Governor Braun extends gas tax savings
Incumbent re-elected; newcomer elected in Lawrence County 2026 election
Illinois State Police arrest two in Lawrence County
One dead in southwestern Indiana crash
Polls open statewide at 6 a.m. Tuesday
Red Hill High School Band award winners at Spooktacular Parade
