Key Issue Header

HOME

Child Abuse Reporting

EXPLORE OTHER PRIORITIES

Key Message

State statute directing the collection of military affiliation as part of child welfare and neglect case files, and sharing pertinent case file information with the appropriate military authorities, can provide consistency and complement the statutory responsibility of the Department of Defense. This is a win-win for the state, military child welfare systems and military families we serve.

Summary

States can help prevent child abuse by requiring local jurisdictions to report child abuse in military families to service officials, improving their ability to support military children and their families.

Insights

The Department of Defense is required to address child abuse in military families, but with 70 percent of active-duty families living in civilian communities, service officials are sometimes unaware of problems. States are encouraged to require local jurisdictions to report cases of abuse and neglect to military officials, enhancing their ability to protect military children and support their families.

Other Content

State Policymakers

If you are a state policymaker, request more information.