In 2005 Arlington had 726 confirmed victims of child abuse and neglect. A 2006 Child Abuse and Neglect Task Force convened by United Way's Arlington Human Service Planners (AHSP) has determined that prevention efforts in Arlington should be improved by focusing on perpetrators of neglect.

The task force has developed a "Children's Bill of Rights" and recommended that a public awareness campaign be initiated in 2007 to establish community standards of acceptable child nurturing and treatment. It also has recommended that organizations and institutions work together to establish a family support system in an area of Arlington where the incidence of child neglect is high. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, families who neglect their children tend to have multiple problems such as job loss, illness and substance abuse. The Child Abuse and Neglect Task Force has established a work plan to carry out its recommendations. Task Force Report

Arlington Human Service Planners is a partnership of United Way of Tarrant County, the City of Arlington and community volunteers. It provides human service planning for Arlington that encourages collaboration and facilitates the implementation of community solutions. The Child Abuse and Neglect Task Force was co-chaired by  Don Kromer, a member of the AHSP Executive Committee; and Sylvia Nichols, fund development coordinator for the Arlington Independent School District. The task force consisted of more than two dozen community volunteers and professionals from organizations serving children and youth.