Child abuse and neglect often occur in families under stress or in the middle of a crisis. Parents and other caregivers are sometimes overwhelmed by today's pressures and may not be able to cope with personal, financial or marital problems. Drug and alcohol abuse may trigger abusive or neglectful behavior, and there is a growing correlation between domestic violence and child abuse. Allen County Chidren Serivces is mandated by Ohio to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect. Casework staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through emergency on-call services and local law enforcement.

In 2007, Allen County Children Services conducted 567 investigations. The majority of investigations were for physical & sexual abuse. In 2006, Allen County Children Services conducted 548 investigations. These investigations included 135 sexual abuse, 209 physical abuse, 161 neglect and 43 emotional maltreatment cases.

In 2005, our agency conducted 608 investigations. They included 184 sexual abuse, 175 physical abuse, 192 neglect and 57 emotional maltreatment cases. Similarly, in 2004, a total of 613 investigations were conducted by Allen County Children Services.

Reporting sources include family, school personnel, social services, medical personnel, friends, neighbors, law enforcement, victims, attorneys and courts.