NCJ Number
230471
Journal
Child Maltreatment Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 111-120
Date Published
May 2010
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the consequences of child maltreatment on economic outcomes in adulthood, including employment, earnings, and assets.
Abstract
Child abuse and neglect represent major threats to child health and well-being; however, little is known about consequences for adult economic outcomes. Using a prospective cohort design, court substantiated cases of childhood physical and sexual abuse and neglect during 1967-1971 were matched with nonabused and nonneglected children and followed into adulthood (mean age 41). Outcome measures of economic status and productivity were assessed in 2003-2004 (N = 807). Results indicate that adults with documented histories of childhood abuse and/or neglect have lower levels of education, employment, earnings, and fewer assets as adults, compared to matched control children. There is a 14 percent gap between individuals with histories of abuse/neglect and controls in the probability of employment in middle age, controlling for background characteristics. Maltreatment appears to affect men and women differently, with larger effects for women than men. These new findings demonstrate that abused and neglected children experience large and enduring economic consequences. Tables and references (Published Abstract)