Budget for Child Abuse Prevention

by JWC
(Canada)

There are 103.8 billion reason governments must budget for child abuse prevention.

$103.8 billion is the annual estimated cost of child abuse. This according to an economic impact study done for Prevent Child Abuse America. They claim this is a conservative estimate.

The economic impact study is summarized into direct and indirect costs:

• Hospitalization                    $ 6,625,959,263
  
• Mental Health Care              $ 1,080,706,049
  
• Child Welfare System           $25,361,329,051
  
• Law Enforcement                $      33,307,770


• Total direct costs =             $33,101,302,133



• Special Education                $  2,410,306,242
  
• Juvenile Delinquency            $  7,174,814,134
  
• Mental Health & Health Care  $      67,863,457
  
• Adult Criminal Justice System $27,979,811,982
  
• Lost Productivity to Society   $33,019,919,544


• Total indirect costs =            $70,652,715,359

These numbers are staggering. They are a clear indication that all governments need to budget money for child abuse prevention. In the long run it will improve their economic bottom line.

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