Report: Indiana Child Deaths Increased More Than 25% In 2014

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) — A recently released report by Indiana's Department of Child Services says 66 children in the state lost their lives because of abuse or neglect during fiscal year 2014.

The Journal Gazette reports that the latest statistics show a more than 25 percent increase from the 49 child deaths in Indiana in fiscal year 2013.

The department says half of the children who died from abuse were one year old or younger. Of the neglect deaths, 46 percent were 1 year old or younger.

There was also an increase in deaths due to lack of supervision. Officials say children were left alone around bodies of water, kept in homes with unsafe heating methods or practiced unsafe sleeping methods.

The department's director, Mary Beth Bonaventura, says each death could've been prevented.