(WHAS11) - Kentucky is number one in the nation for child abuse and neglect cases where kids end up dead.
It's a major problem that has some child service agencies worried because of budget cuts.
The Family and Children's Place says 70% of cases where children died from abuse are blamed on men.
But even more shocking is the fact that experts say most of Kentucky's abuse and neglect cases where children survive are caused by women.
Kentucky is the worst in the United States when it comes to the number of children who died because of abuse and neglect and the recession is making it harder to get help.
Mar’ riel Lucas became the poster child after the 6-year-old was beaten to death in August 2007.
His mother was convicted with reckless homicide and her boyfriend, manslaughter.
"I don't hate her. The point remains is that she needs to step up and take responsibility for what happened," said Carolyn Carpenter, Lucas’ grandmother.
Lucas was one of 41 kids who died in Kentucky in 2007 because of abuse or neglect and the Every Child Matters Education Fund adds that almost 19,000 kids fell victim in the bluegrass state.
The Family and Children's Place says it's an epidemic that's getting worse because of the economy and experts say a child living in poverty is 22 times more likely to be abused.
And as the recession continues the state made major cutbacks to agencies across the board.
"That has a significant impact on the quality of work that happens with children and families that need that work the most," says Pam Helms of the Family and Children’s Place.
And they're not alone; the Boys’ Haven finds themselves facing a wall financially.
"The governor made a promise to keep our rates in place until June 30th. So we're very worried about the next bi-annual budget," says Boys’ Haven Executive Director, Vern Rickert.
Experts say some warning signs are bruises are cuts to a child's face or torso and in extreme cases, broken bones.
If you suspect child abuse you can call the Kentucky Child Abuse Hotline at
1-800-752-6200.
