DE SCR48

Designates April 2025 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" in Delaware

Cites national statistics showing approximately 550,000 children are abused and neglected annually in the U.S., with an estimated 2,000 child fatalities in 2023 (rate of 2.73 per 100,000 children)

Notes Delaware's Division of Family Services received 24,143 reports of abuse, neglect, and dependency referrals in Fiscal Year 2024, with 27.5% (6,646 reports) meeting criteria for investigation

Highlights that children under age three are most vulnerable, accounting for 66.1% of child fatalities from maltreatment

Emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships between public and private entities for child abuse prevention programs