This photograph represents one of the 14/100 children abused or neglected by their caretakers in KY in 2024. National statistics show that KY is now the 4th leading state in child abuse and neglect. We have moved up in that ranking and that is not something to be proud of. While systems to report abuse and neglect have improved over time, it is still grossly underreported. In KY, ANY person who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse and neglect is a mandated reporter . Often times it does not get reported because people worry that they don't have all the information or just simply don't want to get involved. As a social worker, I like to remind people that it is not their job to determine if abuse or neglect happened, but it IS their job to report it if they have concerns or there is reasonable cause. If things are not reported they cannot be investigated or resolved. This is everyone's responsibility. ​