Number of Children Abused by Calendar Year in Iowa

This chart presents the number of unique children each year who were associated with investigations where child abuse was confirmed or founded. “Founded” means abuse occurred and resulted in perpetrator placement on the child abuse registry; and “Confirmed” means abuse occurred, but it was minor, isolated and not likely to reoccur, does not go on the central abuse registry.<br /><br />On January 1, 2014, the department began using the Differential Response System, which allows for a family assessment in additional to a traditional child abuse investigation for allegations of abuse and neglect.<br /><br />Differential Response Systems are more family-friendly, flexible, and better able to engage and empower families in making changes to improve child well-being while still keeping children safe.