Casey Family Programs2019-09-192019-09-192019Casey Family Programs. (2019). Evidence Brief-Transforming Child Welfare Systems.https://caseyfamilypro-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/media/TS_Research-return-on-investment-maltreatment-prevention.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/4470An estimated 1 in 8 children will experience maltreatment before they reach the age of 18.1 For these children — as well as for their families, communities, and society at large — the burden is substantial. Children who experience abuse or neglect are at a significantly higher risk of involvement with the criminal justice system, developmental delays, mental health and substance abuse challenges, low academic achievement, delinquency, teen pregnancy, and a host of other negative outcomes, including diminished future productivity.2,3 Given the long-lasting impact of child abuse and neglect, delivering programs that prevent child maltreatment not only is an effective approach to protecting children and strengthening families, but also one of the most pragmatic ways to reduce the enormous financial and societal costs incurred when children are harmed. And with the Family First Prevention Services Act providing states new flexibility to spend Title IV-E funds on evidence-based prevention services,4 this preventive approach now has an ongoing funding mechanism to support it.en-USchild maltreatmentpreventionservicescost benefitArticle