Child Protective Services - Number and percent of substantiated report allegations by maltreatment type in Pennsylvania

Research has linked child abuse to a wide range of adverse outcomes, including poorer physical and mental health, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, lower educational attainment, and an increased risk of substance use and chronic disease later in life.[1,2] Understanding the types of maltreatment identified in substantiated Child Protective Services (CPS) reports can help policymakers, child welfare professionals, and communities better understand the safety concerns affecting children and families.[1] In Pennsylvania, sexual abuse accounted for the largest share of substantiated child abuse allegations in 2024, followed by physical abuse or bodily injury and serious physical neglect.[3] Examining maltreatment types can help identify service needs and inform prevention strategies, resource allocation, and evidence-based policies designed to improve child safety and strengthen families.[1]

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[1] Petersen, A. C., Joseph, J., Feit, M., Committee on Child Maltreatment Research, Policy, and Practice for the Next Decade: Phase II, Board on Children, Youth, and Families, Committee on Law and Justice, Institute of Medicine, & National Research Council (Eds.). (2014). New directions in child abuse and neglect research. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18331

[2] Norman, R. E., Byambaa, M., De, R., Butchart, A., Scott, J., & Vos, T. (2012). The long-term health consequences of child physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Medicine, 9(11), e1001349. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001349

[3] Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families. (2025). 2024 Pennsylvania annual child abuse report. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/docs/ocyf/documents/2024-annual-child-abuse-report-final.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/docs/ocyf/documents/2024-annual-child-abuse-report-final.pdf

Research has linked child abuse to a wide range of adverse outcomes, including poorer physical and mental health, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, lower educational attainment, and an increased risk of substance use and chronic disease later in life.[1,2] Understanding the types of maltreatment identified in substantiated Child Protective Services (CPS) reports can help policymakers, child welfare professionals, and communities better understand the safety concerns affecting children and families.[1] In Pennsylvania, sexual abuse accounted for the largest share of substantiated child abuse allegations in 2024, followed by physical abuse or bodily injury and serious physical neglect.[3] Examining maltreatment types can help identify service needs and inform prevention strategies, resource allocation, and evidence-based policies designed to improve child safety and strengthen families.[1]

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[1] Petersen, A. C., Joseph, J., Feit, M., Committee on Child Maltreatment Research, Policy, and Practice for the Next Decade: Phase II, Board on Children, Youth, and Families, Committee on Law and Justice, Institute of Medicine, & National Research Council (Eds.). (2014). New directions in child abuse and neglect research. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18331

[2] Norman, R. E., Byambaa, M., De, R., Butchart, A., Scott, J., & Vos, T. (2012). The long-term health consequences of child physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS Medicine, 9(11), e1001349. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001349

[3] Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth and Families. (2025). 2024 Pennsylvania annual child abuse report. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/docs/ocyf/documents/2024-annual-child-abuse-report-final.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/docs/ocyf/documents/2024-annual-child-abuse-report-final.pdf