Officials with the nonprofit group Every Child Matters say 354 Hoosier children died from abuse and neglect from 2001 to 2007, that’s more than 50-per year.

Those numbers are up more than 15-percent from the 2001 rate.

Indiana’s Department of Child Services Communication Director Ann Houseworth says several key factors must be addressed to lower the number of child neglect and abuse cases.

“Domestic abuse and child abuse are tied closely together,” said Houseworth. “And until issues like domestic violence and drug and alcohol usage have a light shown on them it will be difficult to make huge strides and progress in protecting children.”

Officials with SCAN, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, say they’re working every day to help Hoosier children in Northeast Indiana.

The Communication Director with SCAN, Stephanie Jentgen, says the state has created a program to lower the number of abused and neglected children.

“The program, which is the Network For Safe Families, here in this area, offers help for those sorts of problems for families,” Jentgen said. “Just with a simple phone call we can assess your needs and hook you up with another organization right in your very county that can help you address any problems you’re having and be that good nurturing safe parent that we know you want to be.”

The program is free; you just have to call 421-5000 to participate.

The report also ranks Indiana near the bottom of states in spending per child to address abuse and neglect.

State officials are looking into those findings and say they’ll take appropriate action once results are in.

If you’re a parent who is having trouble with your child and need help you can call the Child Protective Services Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.

State officials say the hotline will connect you with help in your county. They say this number is there to help parents in stressful situations, not to get them in trouble with the law.

If you or someone you know suspects a child is being abused call police. Jentgen says it’s better to call and have someone look into the situation than to find a child died because someone didn’t call.

It’s also the law to call police if you suspect child abuse or neglect.

This 2007 report, released this year, is the latest information on child abuse and neglect cases available.

By Laura Donaldson (http://www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/65639512.html)