LCCS investigated 3,867 allegations of abuse and neglect in 2025, down from 4,479 in 2024. Nonetheless, there remained a critical need for resources and support across our community. The total reports involved 4,861 children, down nine percent from the previous year. 1,457 of them were substantiated victims of abuse or neglect, down 2% from prior year.

LCCS served 11,350 children and 4,514 families in 2025.

The number one reason for case opening was substance abuse by parents (39 percent), followed by domestic violence (27 percent), parenting/neglect (23 percent), and mental health (18 percent). Of cases opened for substance abuse, cocaine (47 percent) and marijuana (45 percent) were the most prevalent drugs contributing to family involvement with the agency.

In 2025, we had a monthly average of 854 children in custody, an incline of 2 percent from the previous year. Forty-five percent of these children were living in a family environment.

Of all children receiving services:

• 68 percent were living in their own home or with a relative while receiving services
• 25 percent were in foster care or a similar placement

Only five percent of children were in non-family settings such as group homes or private institutions. Two percent were living in other circumstances.

In 2025, 63 children were adopted into new families, a sixteen percent decrease from 2024. 261 children were reunified with a parent, a six percent decrease from 2024. Another 165 children entered the legal custody of relatives, a six percent decrease from 2024.