Data Sources:

• Franklin County Children Services (child abuse and neglect data; protective placement data)
• Ohio Administrative Code 5101:2-1-01 Children services definitions (indicated and substantiated reports)

Definitions:

• Child abuse and neglect: Franklin County Children Services indicates that child maltreatment can include: 1)Physical abuse—a child with bruises, marks or injuries inflicted by other than accidental means; 2) sexual abuse— any sexual activity between a child and adult; 3) emotional abuse—a child who is belittled, ignored or subject to mental or psychological maltreatment; 4) neglect—a parent or caregiver fails to act on behalf of a child to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, supervision or education; or 5) dependent child—a child who is homeless, destitute or without adequate parental care and support through no fault of the parent or caregiver, or a child who lives in a home in which another child is abused, neglected or dependent.
• Indicated report of abuse or neglect: Report finds that there are circumstantial, medical or other isolated indicators of child abuse or neglect, but confirmation is lacking.
• Substantiated report of abuse or neglect: Report finds an admission of child abuse or neglect by the person responsible, an adjudication of child abuse or neglect, other forms of confirmation deemed valid by the Public Children Services Agency, or professional judgment that the child has been abused or neglected.

Explanations & Caveats:

• The number of children served by Franklin County Children Services includes those served through direct services by Children Services staff and those receiving services purchased by Children Services from 80 community-based agencies.

Update Status:
September 2011