INDIANA — The release of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) 2024 Annual Report has cast a somber light on the state’s ongoing struggle with child safety. While the data provides a clinical look at fatalities, advocates are using the report’s “stark reality” to demand a fundamental shift in how Indiana protects its most vulnerable citizens: moving from reactive intervention to proactive prevention.
In 2024, DCS investigated 276 child deaths where abuse or neglect was suspected. The findings confirmed that 59 children died directly due to caregiver maltreatment—a slight increase from 56 the previous year.
The report underscores a chilling trend regarding age; 71% of these victims were age 3 or younger, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of infants and toddlers who cannot seek help for themselves.
| Category | Data Point |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 59 (18 Abuse, 41 Neglect) |
| Primary Location | 73% occurred in the child’s own home |
| Perpetrators | Biological parents identified in 81% of cases |
| Prior History | 25% of victims had a prior substantiated DCS case |
| Top Stressors | Poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse |
Nicholle Probst, Senior Director at Prevent Child Abuse Indiana (PCAIN), notes that many Hoosiers misunderstand the role of DCS.
“They are an intervention agency,” Probst clarified. “They are there to take action once abuse or neglect has occurred. Where we as community members and nonprofit organizations really need to step in is when we’re identifying that families are at risk.”
Probst argues that by the time DCS is involved, a “serious incident” may have already occurred. The goal of PCAIN is to “wrap around” struggling families before they reach a breaking point, addressing stressors like food insecurity and trauma before they escalate into violence or neglect.
In response to the report, PCAIN has launched the “Eyes on the Child” campaign, targeting two of the most prevalent and evolving threats to Indiana youth:
1. The Silence of Drowning
Unintentional drowning claimed the lives of 127 Indiana children between 2018 and 2023. Probst warned that these deaths are often “silent” and can occur in just a few inches of water.
- The Solution: PCAIN’s Water Watcher Badge. This orange lanyard identifies a single adult responsible for active supervision—meaning no phones, no alcohol, and no distractions.
2. The Digital Frontier
With over 7,500 “CyberTips” regarding child exploitation reported in Indiana in a single year, the digital landscape remains a primary site for maltreatment. PCAIN encourages parents to move past technical filters and focus on “lo-fi” rules, such as only allowing device use in common areas and asking organic questions about their child’s online day.
How to Take Action
Advocates emphasize that because these deaths are “100% preventable,” the responsibility lies with the community.
- Report Concerns: If you suspect a child is in danger, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. Reports can be made anonymously 24/7.
- Get Involved: PCAIN hosts a “Steps for Prevention 5K” on April 18th and maintains 50 volunteer-led councils across the state.
- Education: Free abuse prevention training is available for schools and community groups through pcain.org.
“Every one of these deaths represents a child, a family, and a community impacted forever,” Probst concluded. “It’s about having the education and the resources to prevent them.”
