The social and economic costs of child abuse and neglect are difficult to calculate. Some costs are straightforward and directly related to maltreatment, such as hospital costs for medical treatment of injuries sustained as a result of physical abuse and foster care costs resulting from the removal of children when they cannot remain safely with their families. Other costs, less directly tied to the incidence of abuse, include lower academic achievement, adult criminality, and lifelong mental health problems. Both direct and indirect costs impact our society and economy.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Response
University of Albany & Prevent Child Abuse America
Seeks to connect research data and its potential for real-world application to prevent adverse childhood experiences and their consequences through policy and program leadership, community development, and direct practice.
Bringing Back the Dads: Changing Practices in Child Welfare Systems (PDF - 1,407 KB)
American Humane Association (2011)
Protecting Children, 26(2)
Presents a collection of articles offering perspectives on issues facing nonresident fathers. The articles identify promising casework and legal and judicial best practices, raise awareness of factors that reduce barriers to engagement, and explore policies that affect the engagement of nonresident fathers.
| Series Title | Bulletins for Professionals |
| Author(s) | Child Welfare Information Gateway |
| Availability | View Download (PDF - 359KB) Order (Free) |
| Year Published | 2019 |
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Two Child Abuse and Neglect Primary Prevention Programs for US States
Peterson, Florence, Thomas, & Klevens (2018)
Prevention Science, 19
Analyzes how child abuse prevention programs are cost effective given the long-term economic consequences of child abuse and neglect.
Estimated Annual Cost of Child Abuse and Neglect (PDF - 409 KB)
Gelle & Perlman (2012)
Prevent Child Abuse America
Outlines the direct and indirect costs of responding to the consequences of child abuse and neglect incurred by the victims, their families, and society.
How Much Does Child Abuse Cost? Study Says $400K Over a Lifetime
Loudenback (2017)
The Chronicle of Social Change
Summarizes a study examining the economic cost of every individual victim of child abuse and neglect.
The Lifelong Effects of Early Childhood Adversity and Toxic Stress
Shonkoff, Garner, Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health, Committee on Early Childhood, Adoption, and Dependent Care, & Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (2011)
Pediatrics, 129(1)
Presents a multidisciplinary framework that illustrates how early experiences and environmental influences can affect brain development and long-term health. The report also examines effects of toxic stress and links early adversity to later impairments in learning, behavior, and both physical and mental well-being. Also view the American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement (PDF - 536 KB).