The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) has released its 2017 Interactive Data Book. This interactive set of data maps contain key statistics on both abuse and neglect in Texas and the Child Protective Services (CPS) workforce. Continue reading below for key numbers and analysis from TexProtects.
A few key findings for 2017:
- 63,657 children were confirmed to be abused and neglected, an 8.5-percent increase from 2016.
- 50,293 children were in DFPS custody during the year.
- 295,485 reports of abuse and neglect were made to DFPS, up only 2.1 percent from 2016, and slightly more than the 1.2-percent increase in Texas’ child population.
- 174,740 investigations of abuse and neglect were completed, up 4.8 percent.
- 19,782 children were removed and placed in substitute care, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2016.
Other highlights:
- While child fatalities due to abuse or neglect in Texas increased by 30 percent in 2016, the number decreased by 23 percent in 2017. It is important to note, however, that this number is tentative – DFPS will not have final numbers until March 1, as there are still fatalities under review that have not been finalized.
- There was a 4-percent increase in the number of children seen in a timely manner by CPS Investigators.
- There was a 15-percent decrease in investigative caseworkers’ caseloads, averaging at 14.5 cases for 2017. Caseloads for Family-Based Safety Services (FBSS) and Conservatorship also dropped in 2017 by 1 percent and 5 percent, respectively, averaging at 15.1 and 27.8.
To see the full interactive data book, visit the DFPS website.