Child Abuse is a serious problem in Arizona and across our nation. In a June 16, 2002 poll in The Arizona Republic, 63% of the Arizona voters polled, felt child welfare was the number one issue in our state with 70% of those citing child abuse as a specific issue. Below are some alarming statistics about the costs of child abuse to our society. If you would like more information about child abuse please refer to the "links to other sites" section.

• Every 22 minutes a child in Arizona is reported abused or neglected
• In the state fiscal year 2001, there were 32,908 reports of abuse and neglect involving over 65,000 children.
• In 2001, Prevent Child Abuse America, released a report estimating that each day, child abuse and neglect costs the United States $258 Million dollars with a total annual cost of 94 billion dollars.