In 2003, child protective services investigated more than 2.9 million reports of child maltreatment. More than one-quarter (26 percent) of these reports were substantiated. Nearly 3 of every 10 (29 percent) maltreatment victims in 2003 were infants or toddlers ages 0–3. Females made up just over half (52 percent) of all maltreatment victims in 2003. Child maltreatment occurs when a caretaker is responsible for, or permits, the abuse or neglect of a child. There are several different types of child maltreatment: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, and educational neglect.

These statistics are from the "Juveniles as Victims" section of OJJDP's Statistical Briefing Book. Read this issue's special feature on the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges to learn about one OJJDP-supported effort to place abused and neglected children in permanent and stable homes.