Some starting data has been published regarding child deaths in the State of Indiana.

The agency investigated 242 total deaths, where 65 were directly tied to abuse or neglect, the report stated.

Two-thirds (43) died from neglect, while one-third (22) died from abuse. Of those deaths, 80% were 3 or younger, it said. It was the first year the agency counted deaths by calendar year, rather than fiscal year (July-June).

The majority of abuse cases died of head trauma, while neglect cases were mostly caused by drowning, poisoning, or unsafe sleep conditions, the report said. Those responsible were primarily the biological parents or mom’s partner, it said.

Chicago Tribune