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Social and Economic Consequences of Abuse and Neglect

The social and economic costs of child abuse and neglect are very difficult to calculate. Some costs are straightforward and directly related to maltreatment. Examples include hospital costs for medical treatment of injuries sustained as a result of physical abuse and foster care costs resulting from the removal of children from abusive homes. Other costs are less directly tied to the incidence of abuse. Examples include lower academic achievement, adult criminality, and lifelong mental health problems. Both direct and indirect costs have an impact on our society and economy.

Regardless of the socioeconomic costs associated with child abuse and neglect, it is impossible to overstate the tragic consequences endured by the victims. The costs of such human suffering are incalculable.

The Cost of Child Maltreatment: Who Pays? We All Do
Franey, Geffner, & Falconer (Eds.) (2001)
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A compilation of articles reviewing the individual and societal consequences of child maltreatment. Examines long-term medical and mental health effects; prevalence of abuse history among female inmates, homeless and runaway adolescents, and other women; cycle of abuse; criminal behavior; and economic costs.

The Economic Burden of Hospitalizations Associated With Child Abuse and Neglect
Rovi, Chen, & Johnson
American Journal of Public Health, 94(4), 2004
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Assessed the economic burden of child abuse-related hospitalizations, comparing inpatient stays coded with a diagnosis of child abuse or neglect with stays of other hospitalized children.

The Health and Social Impact of Growing Up With Adverse Childhood Experiences: The Human and Economic Costs of the Status Quo (PDF - 248 KB)
Anda (2007)
Presents key findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study designed to examine the childhood origins of many leading health and social problems.

Measuring Costs of Child Abuse and Neglect: A Mathematic Model of Specific Cost Estimations
Conrad
Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 29(1/2), 2006
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Offers a model for calculating the actual costs of child abuse and neglect based on direct, indirect, and opportunity costs associated with each case.

Saving Lives, Saving Dollars: Mitigating the Impact of Child Maltreatment (PDF - 318 KB)
Department of Extension Home Economics, New Mexico State University (2006)
Focuses on the physical, psychoemotional, and behavioral impact of child maltreatment; estimated direct and indirect financial costs to society; the long-term socioeconomic impact of abuse and neglect; and strategies for prevention and intervention.

Total Estimated Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect in the United States (PDF - 168 KB)
Prevent Child Abuse America (2007)
Outlines direct and indirect costs of responding to the impact of child abuse and neglect both by the victims and their families and by society.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Preventing child abuse & neglect: Making an economic case

Updated on September 18, 2008