Child Maltreatment Costs U.S. $124 Billion Annually: Implications for Pennsylvania

Why it matters locally: Pennsylvania residents bear a portion of the staggering $124 billion annual cost of child maltreatment estimated by the CDC. This national figure translates to very real financial burdens on Pennsylvania's healthcare system, social services, and education programs which must provide support for victims of abuse and neglect. Furthermore, the state's economy suffers from decreased productivity and increased law enforcement involvement related to child maltreatment cases.

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Atlanta — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that child maltreatment, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect, costs the United States approximately $124 billion annually. This figure represents the cumulative lifetime costs associated with a single year's confirmed cases, according to a report published in *Child Abuse and Neglect, The International Journal*. The CDC report quantifies the significant financial impact of child maltreatment, encompassing medical expenses, mental health services, child welfare interventions, and lost productivity over the victims' lifespans. While the report highlights the substantial economic burden, detailed breakdowns of the cost distribution were not immediately available publicly.