Child Abuse Deaths on the Rise in Illinois

The number of child abuse and neglect cases is in in the state of Illinois. What makes it troubling is that many of deaths were caused by simple safety warnings parents tend to ignore.

DCFS released the numbers of deaths in 2012 related to child abuse or neglect, 90 children died. 69% of them never saw their first birthday. Out of the 90, 40 of those deaths were caused by suffocation from unsafe sleeping conditions.

The Child Abuse Council in Rock Island says most of these deaths can be prevented through education. They also say the biggest mistake a parent can make is not asking for help.