Most of the 10,000 reports of child abuse each year in South Dakota are unsubstantiated. In 1983, one of every two investigations resulted in a finding of abuse or neglect. In 1994, less than one in five reported cases was substantiated. While the head of Child Protection Services says that the statistics indicate that they are doing a better job, falsely accused parents note how easy it is for a disgruntled neighbor or bitter ex-spouse to make an accusation.
_________________CHILD ABUSE IN SOUTH DAKOTA__________________
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| The number of substantiated reports of child abuse is |
| decreasing while the unsubstantiated case are increasing. |
| |
| 1983 |*****2888*oooo2689o * Substantiated |
| 1984 |*****3023*oooooo3513o o Unsubstantiated |
| 1985 |********3957*ooooooooooo5079o |
| 1986 |**********4606*ooooooooooooo5487o |
| 1987 |**********4579*ooooooooooooooo6107o |
| 1988 |**********4483*ooooooooooooooooo6524o |
| 1989 |*********4317*oooooooooooooooooo6862o |
| 1990 |*********4132*ooooooooooooooooooo7135o |
| 1991 |********3826*oooooooooooooooooooo7379o |
| 1992 |*****2903*oooooooooooooooooooo7583o |
| 1993 |***2368*ooooooooooooooooooooo7916o |
| 1994 |*1923*oooooooooooooooooooooo8233o |
| |
| Source: South Dakota Department of Social Services |
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