AUGUSTA (AP) — A report by a nonprofit advocacy group says 10,440 children in the United States died from abuse and neglect between 2001 and 2007. Experts say the real number may be much higher.

The report from the Every Child Matters Education Fund says states have been stretched too thin to protect all children who may be vulnerable.

It says Kentucky had the highest rate of death due to child abuse and neglect in 2007, while Maine was among the five states with the lowest rates.

The report also says Rhode Island spends the most per capita to protect children. Vermont is among the leaders while Maine is among the states that spend the least.

The report says New Hampshire is among the states with the lowest levels of child poverty.