Child Abuse and Neglect
Children are sometimes directly or indirectly put in danger by their primary caregivers. We address this at family, community and systems levels.Child abuse and neglect homicide occurs when a child is killed, either directly or indirectly, by their caregiver. Data shows that social isolation, young or single parents, parents who struggle with mental health issues, substance abuse or domestic violence, and lack of parenting skills are all associated with increased risk of child fatality from abuse or neglect. Although poverty itself does not cause child abuse or neglect, it puts strains on parents that can elevate stress and increase risk to children.
Why is child abuse and neglect a focus area?
In Sacramento County, Black children are almost nine times more likely to die of child abuse and neglect than all other races. There are multiple systemic factors that indirectly lead to caregivers putting their children in danger, including food insecurity, economic uncertainty, substance use, and inadequate schooling or community centers. The Black Child Legacy Campaign (BCLC) has adopted a public health approach to child safety and prevention of fatalities by working not only at the family level, but also at the community and societal level. We align public agencies and private sector entities to leverage and coordinate existing resources to provide support to children and families and to address risks and promote resilience far before there is a crisis.
BCLC partners serve families with children and youth in Sacramento with programs and case management.
Kings & Queens Rise
Our Kings & Queens Rise Co-ed Youth Sports and Mentoring League helps address child abuse and neglect by offering children a safe, caring summer environment and engaging families with holistic services and support.
Supportive Organizations
First5 Sacramento
First 5 Sacramento is dedicated to ensuring all children prenatal through age five are healthy, safe and ready to thrive by advancing equitable, culturally responsive policies and practices in partnership with families and communities.
Child Abuse and Prevention Center
The Child Abuse Prevention Center is a statewide leader based in Sacramento, California, dedicated to strengthening children, families, and communities through advocacy, education, health, and safety programs that prevent child abuse and neglect—offering resources like Safe Sleep workshops and free cribs to support families.
Always Knocking, Inc.
Always Knocking, Inc. supports at-risk and incarcerated youth by providing mentorship, education, life skills and violence prevention to inspire positive change and brighter futures.
Ballout Academy
Ballout Academy empowers Sacramento youth through mentorship, athletics, and family support to build confidence, achieve goals, and become leaders in their community
Improve Your Tomorrow
Improve Your Tomorrow increases the number of young men of color who attend and graduate from college through mentorship, educational support and a long-term commitment to leadership, career and academic success.
Sacramento Children’s Home
Sacramento Children’s Home provides mental health treatment, crisis care and family support to prevent and heal trauma, helping vulnerable children and families thrive.
Research and studies
- Read the CDC-Kaiser Permanente adverse childhood experiences (ACE) study (CDC.gov). This is one of the largest investigations of childhood abuse and neglect and household challenges and their relationship to later-life health and well-being.
- Center for the Study of Social Policy’s Strengthening Families: A Protective Factors Framework (.pdf)
- Adverse Childhood Experiences and Life Opportunities: Shifting the Narrative (.pdf)
- Within Our Reach: A National Strategy to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities (.pdf)
- Racial Disproportionality and Disparity in Child Welfare (.pdf)