All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline.
For contact information in other states, please visit our Report It page.
Child help: National Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4-CHILD
or 1-800-422-4453
Important context and additional information on data trends can be found in the data notes throughout the dashboard. Data on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can also be found below.
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Data Notes:
Substantiations/intakes accepted: Between 2018-2023, there were changes to state policy and practice that may have contributed to a decline in substantiations. Please refer to the data note in the Dashboard for more information.
Substantiated fatalities/near fatalities: Cases that occurred during a state fiscal year may remain under investigation for several years. Please refer to the data note in the Dashboard for more information on outstanding cases.
The Kosair for Kids Face It Movement is examining the trends around kids experiencing child maltreatment and neglect. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are traumatic or stressful events that can have lifelong impacts on health and opportunity. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use problems in adulthood, and can also negatively impact education, job opportunities, and how much income someone earns. Communities can utilize data on ACEs to better understand the extent of and prevent such experiences, address community challenges that put populations of color at higher risk of ACEs, and support children in addressing trauma so that all kids can grow up healthy.
Among adults in Kentucky in 2020, 40% experienced at least two ACEs when they were children and 12% experienced five or more. Due to discrimination and other historical factors that limit economic opportunity for Black adults in Kentucky, 20% have experienced two ACEs compared to 13% of White adults.
View Data Regional and state data on adults who experienced ACEs
In Kentucky, nearly one in four children have already experienced at least two ACEs. Understanding what challenges children in our communities face can help us support those who have experienced traumatic events. Additionally, communities can address factors that either protect children from the negative effects of adverse experiences or put children more at risk of experiencing an adverse event.
View Data Regional and state data on children who have experienced ACEs
In addition to the importance of individual experiences, children also need healthy “soil” in which to “grow.” When kids grow up in challenging community environments, such as neighborhoods with high poverty, violence, and incarceration, it can limit opportunities and their ability to bounce back from trauma. In contrast, children are more likely to thrive when they grow up in neighborhoods where families have access to economic and financial help, children can attend safe, engaging childcare and after school programs, and residents feel connected to each other. For more information on risk and protective factors, please visit CDC : Risk and Protective Factors.
View Data Regional and state data on community factors impacting ACEs
