INDIANAPOLIS - Forty-nine Hoosier children died from neglect or abuse during fiscal year 2013 - including a large number of drownings.
The number of deaths rose 44 percent - up from 34 the year before. Of the 49 children who died, 35 were from neglect and 14 were abused.
“Although this report is about innocent lives cut short by the careless and neglectful actions of adults, the report is necessary for us as a community to do better," said Mary Beth Bonaventura, director of the Indiana Department of Child Services.
"At DCS, we take this report very seriously, and will use it to help us improve our services to Hoosier children and families.
Fourteen of the deaths involved adults failing to properly supervise children who later drowned. The incidents occurred at ponds, lakes, creeks and bath tubs.
"As we approach the summer months, it is important to re-emphasize water safety and to never leave a child unattended in a hot car, never," Bonaventura said.
DCS reviewed 286 child deaths the occurred between July 1, 2012 to July 1, 2013. Other causes included gunshot wounds, drug overdoses and beatings.
Of the 49 child deaths that directly resulted from abuse or neglect. DCS had prior history with seven of the children.