NCJ Number
238315
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2012 Pages: 156-165
Date Published
February 2012
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study developed new estimates for the lifetime costs per victim of child maltreatment as well as the aggregate lifetime costs for all new cases of child maltreatment reported in 2008.
Abstract
Findings from the study include the following: using 2010 dollars, it is estimated that the average lifetime cost per victim of nonfatal child maltreatment (CM) is $210,012 - $32,648 in childhood health care costs, $10,530 in adult medical costs, $144,360 in productivity losses, $7,728 in child welfare costs, $6,747 in criminal justice costs, and $7,999 in special education costs; the estimated average lifetime cost per victim of fatal child maltreatment is $1,272,900, including $14,100 in medical costs and $1,258,800 in productivity losses; and the total lifetime economic burden as a result of new cases of child maltreatment in the United States in 2008 is estimated to be about $124 billion. This study developed new estimates for the lifetime costs per victim of child maltreatment as well as the aggregate lifetime costs for all new cases of child maltreatment reported in 2008. Data for the study were obtained from secondary analysis of substantiated cases of child maltreatment reported by child protective services agencies as well as national estimates of the incidence of nonfatal CM compiled in the National Incidence Study. The study evaluated the cases to determine the short-term health care costs, the long-term medical costs, productivity losses, child welfare costs, criminal justice costs, and special education costs per victim of child maltreatment. These new estimates show that compared to other childhood health issues, the economic burden of child maltreatment is substantial and points to a need for improved prevention efforts. Tables and references