A state agency reports Texas had 156 child deaths from abuse and neglect during fiscal 2013.
Figures released Tuesday by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services show that compares to 212 neglect-related child deaths in fiscal 2012.
Department spokesman Patrick Crimmins said agency officials really don't know why fatality numbers vary from year to year. The 2013 numbers are based on an estimated statewide population of nearly 7.2 million children.
The Dallas Morning News reports Dallas County had 17 abuse- and neglect-related deaths of children in the fiscal year that ended last August. That compares to 11 child deaths in the previous fiscal year.
The Houston Chronicle reports Harris County had 24 child deaths in fiscal 2013 blamed on abuse and neglect, compared to 45 a year earlier.
