According to a new report that shows a sharp rise in child-abuse and neglect deaths between 2001 and 2007, Rhode Island spends more per capita — $181 — than any other state on child-welfare services aimed at preventing such deaths. South Carolina spends the least: $15 per capita.

The report released Wednesday by the nonprofit Every Child Matters Education Fund, cites Rhode Island as one of only two states that reported no child-abuse deaths in 2007. Within the six-year time frame, Rhode Island reported 15 child-abuse deaths.

The report, “We Can Do Better, Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America,” states that at least five children die each day from abuse and neglect in this country, and as many as half of those children had previously been brought to the attention of authorities.

Those deaths may have been prevented if states had the resources needed to fully comply with federal child-welfare standards, according to the national organization. The report relies on the most recent state data made available by the federal government.

The report cites 10,440 substantiated child deaths in the United States from abuse and neglect between 2001 and 2007, but notes that experts say the real number may be twice as high, because of varying definitions of abuse and neglect, and inconsistent record-keeping and data collection.

“It’s heart-wrenching that each day in America, five children will die from abuse and neglect, but what’s worse is that the real number is even larger,” said Michael Petit, president of the Every Child Matters Education Fund. “Child abuse and neglect are national problems that require national solutions. That means federal lawmakers must work with states to address what causes it, be more consistent in how data about it are shared and increase support for the agencies that work to stop it.”

Elizabeth Burke-Bryant, executive director of Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, said, “The good news in this report for the period they are showing, Rhode Island compares well to other states.” But she added, “It’s an ongoing issue. You can never reduce your vigilance about this important and preventable cause of death to children.”

States that invest in a strong social safety net for children — including health, social services, education and child protection — experience fewer child-abuse or neglect deaths, on average, according to the report.

The top-spending states, besides Rhode Island, include Pennsylvania ($137.89), Alaska ($129.02), Vermont ($126.31) and California ($121.16). The five states spending the least per capita include South Carolina ($14.72), Mississippi ($28.82), Maine ($31.88), Nevada ($34.02) and Arkansas ($35.99).

To read the full report, go to www.everychildmatters.org.

kziner@projo.com