New data released by the federal government about reported child maltreatment for 2007 show a mixed and ambiguous picture about recent trends, with overall substantiated cases flat or declining, but child maltreatment fatalities increasing. The data for the tables and graphs included in this report are derived from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), which aggregates and publishes statistics from state child protection agencies. The most recent data from NCANDS were released in April, 2009 and concern cases of child maltreatment investigated in 2007. (See http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm07/index.htm for more information.)