The Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) strives to ensure the well-being of our children through many programs and activities. One such activity is the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) of the Children's Bureau.
National and State statistics about child maltreatment are derived from the data collected by child protective services agencies through the NCANDS. The data are analyzed, disseminated, and published in an annual report. Child Maltreatment 2004 marks the 15th issuance of this report. I hope that it continues to serve as an important resource for policymakers, child welfare practitioners, researchers, and other concerned citizens.
This year's national statistics were based upon case-level data from 45 States, including the District of Columbia, and aggregate data from the remaining States. An increasing number of States provide NCANDS with case-level data, and we continue to provide all States with technical assistance to improve data quality and to meet our goal of receiving case-level data from all States. Each year we also conduct a technical assistance meeting for all States, at which they partner with us in discussing issues related to improving the quality of the data.
On behalf of ACYF, I wish to thank the many people who made this publication possible. The Children's Bureau has been fortunate to partner with informed and committed State personnel who work hard to provide comprehensive data that reflect the work of their agencies. In addition, CPS administrators and information systems managers- serving as representatives to the State Advisory Group-continue to be an important source of advice and support for this effort. I gratefully acknowledge the priorities that were set by State and local agencies to submit these data to the Children's Bureau, and thank each caseworker and supervisor who contributes to and uses the State's information system. The time and effort dedicated by these and other individuals form the basis for our successful Federal-State partnership.
Joan E. Ohl |
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