22 KY children die of abuse, neglect in past year

A state report released late last week says at least 22 Kentucky children died in the past fiscal year as a result of abuse and neglect.  But the annual report from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services says the deaths have decreased in recent years.  Thirty-one children died from abuse deaths in 2011, 36 in 2010, 29 in 2009 and 30 in 2008.  Child advocates say the drop is good news, but 22 is still too many.  Governor Steve Beshear created a panel of 17 experts this year to review all child deaths and near-deaths stemming from abuse or neglect. It’s charged with examining such cases and making recommendations for policy changes and improvements, but has not yet met.  The report says the number of deaths attributed to abuse or neglect in the 2012 fiscal year could increase as pending investigations are finalized or new information comes to light.