In 2006, there were 4,947 documented new cases of child
abuse and neglect in Philadelphia.
3,855 were Child Protective Cases, the most serious incident of child abuse or physical neglect, including cases of sexual abuse or exploitation.
1,092 were General Protective Cases, which primarily involve cases of neglect or potential harm, with no apparent serious physical injuries to the child.
Since 1997, the annual number of CPS cases has declined by 35%.
In 2006, 6,520 youth were placed in dependent out-of-home placements (i.e., children placed in foster care because of substantiated abuse, neglect, or other issues like truancy or incorrigibility). This is the lowest number of placement in a decade.
The number of children moving into permanency through adoption and permanent legal custodianship (PLC) increased dramatically between 2002 and 2004 but has declined by 10% in the past two years. In part, this decrease is a reflection of the declining population of children in out-of-home placements. The decline also may be a reflection of increased efforts to quickly and safely reunify children with their parents or caregivers, thus reducing the number of children eligible for adoption or PLC.
Currently, 16.4% of the youth in dependent placements are between the ages of 16 and 18. These 1,071 youth will “age out” of the system in the next few years. Youth who age out of foster care often have significant difficulties transitioning to independence, because they do not have the education, support, and life skills needed to live on their own.
In 2006, 1,863 youth were placed in delinquent out-of-home placements (i.e., placements of youth who have committed a delinquent act and are in need of treatment, supervision, and rehabilitation). This is a 4% rise in placement from 2005.
