Dayton, Ohio – Montgomery County Children Services (CSD) is urging residents to stay alert and take action when they suspect a child may be in danger, following the release of new data showing a troubling rise in child neglect even as physical abuse reports decline. During a joint awareness event on Wednesday, county officials emphasized the need for early intervention and community support in protecting vulnerable children and families.
The 2024 statistics, unveiled at a cross-agency gathering that included numerous civic and advocacy organizations, reveal that CSD conducted 3,750 investigations in 2024—almost identical to the 3,770 cases recorded in 2023. However, a closer look reveals concerning shifts. While reports of physical abuse declined by 10 percent, the number of neglect cases rose by 9 percent, with 1,668 cases reported last year compared to 1,525 in 2023.
“While it’s encouraging to see a decline in abuse cases, the rise in neglect is a serious concern. It’s a reminder that we all need to be looking out for families in crisis and connecting them to support before situations worsen,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Carolyn Rice.
Abuse Declines but Neglect on the Rise
Neglect remains one of the most difficult types of maltreatment to address, often linked to underlying issues such as poverty, mental health, and substance use. The new data suggests that more families are struggling to meet children’s basic needs, even as fewer cases of physical abuse are reported.
Among the warning signs CSD urges residents to look out for are frequent absences from school, unexplained injuries, fear of adults, erratic behavior changes, bedwetting or nightmares, and signs that a child may be hungry, unclean, or underdressed.
These signs, while sometimes subtle, can be the first indicator of a deeper issue. The agency stresses that calling to report concerns does not mean accusing anyone—it means giving professionals the opportunity to assess whether a child or family needs help.
A Voice from Experience
Dalen Myles, a former foster youth, spoke powerfully at the event about his experience enduring abuse at home and the impact a caring adult had on his life.
“It hurt when my father would call me names—tell me I’m weak, call me other names, cuss words and comment on the figure I try so hard to change,” Myles shared. “I once was bullied in school too, so it never helps for a child to come home to the people that are supposed to love you most and to still be ridiculed. My teachers noticed a change and made the call.”
His story was met with praise from CSD leadership. “Dalen’s courage is a testament to what’s possible when adults listen, care and act,” said Craig Rickett, Associate Director of Montgomery County Children Services. “His story reminds us that every child deserves to be seen, heard and protected—and that a single phone call can be the lifeline that starts a new chapter.”
Steady Caseloads and Growing Need
Already in 2025, CSD has opened 822 new cases and continues to field between 500 to 1,000 calls or referrals every month. The agency emphasized that any concerned resident can call the 24-hour hotline at 937-224-KIDS (937-224-5437). Reports can be made anonymously and are kept confidential. If a child is in immediate danger, calling 911 remains the first step.
The statistics also revealed steady numbers for se-ual abuse (367 cases) and emotional abuse (99 cases), and a rise in medical neglect from 72 to 97 cases.
A United Effort for Change
Wednesday’s event brought together a broad network of community partners, including the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Montgomery County Job and Family Services, the Prosecutor’s Office, Juvenile Court, Care House, Fostering Ohio, For Love of Children, the Ohio State Coalition of Clubs, the National Council of Negro Women, Love is a Verb, and Omega Baptist Church.
To further support awareness, the Montgomery County Administration Building will be lit in blue throughout April. A new public service announcement has also been launched, encouraging residents to share the message and help protect children from harm.
Learn more about warning signs and how to report concerns by visiting the county’s child welfare resource page.
