INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) has released its annual report for calendar year 2024, revealing a concerning increase in child fatalities linked to caregiver maltreatment.
According to the report published in December 2025, DCS investigated 276 suspected cases of abuse or neglect-related fatalities, up from 261 in 2023. Of those investigated, 59 deaths were substantiated as being caused by caregiver maltreatment—a slight increase from the 56 deaths recorded the previous year.
Key Findings and Demographics
The data highlights a persistent and tragic trend: younger children remain at the highest risk.
- Victim Age: 71% of victims (42 children) were age 3 or younger.
- Primary Causes: 18 deaths were attributed to abuse, while 41 were the result of neglect.
- Location: Nearly 73% of the fatal incidents occurred in the victim’s own home.
- County Data: Marion County recorded the highest number of substantiated fatalities in the state, with 10 total deaths.
Factors and Perpetrators
The report identified weapons (including body parts) as the most common primary cause of death, cited in 20% of cases. Biological parents were identified as the perpetrators in 81% of the fatalities.
DCS officials noted that caregiver stressors often played a significant role in these tragedies. Frequently cited factors included substance abuse, unemployment, and insufficient income.
“Every death DCS is required by statute to investigate is reviewed at both the county and state level to ensure fair and unbiased decision-making,” the report stated. The agency encourages communities to use this data to bolster local prevention and educational programs.
