TY - JOUR
T1 - Policies to reduce child poverty and child maltreatment
T2 - A scoping review and preliminary estimates of indirect effects
AU - Kim, Hyunil
AU - Kim, Yun Young
AU - Song, Eun Jee
AU - Windsor, Liliane
N1 - This work was funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), K01CE003229 . The analyses presented in this publication were based on data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Child Files. These data were provided by the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect at Cornell University, and have been used with permission. The data were originally collected under the auspices of the Children’s Bureau (CB). Funding was provided by the CB. The CDC, the collector of the original data, the funder (CB), NDACAN, Cornell University, and the agents or employees of these institutions bear no responsibility for the analyses or interpretation presented here. The information and opinions expressed reflect solely the opinions of the authors.
This work was funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), K01CE003229. The analyses presented in this publication were based on data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Child Files. These data were provided by the National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect at Cornell University, and have been used with permission. The data were originally collected under the auspices of the Children's Bureau (CB). Funding was provided by the CB. The CDC, the collector of the original data, the funder (CB), NDACAN, Cornell University, and the agents or employees of these institutions bear no responsibility for the analyses or interpretation presented here. The information and opinions expressed reflect solely the opinions of the authors.
PY - 2024/1
Y1 - 2024/1
N2 - This study includes a scoping review of prior studies investigating the effects of policy changes on child poverty rates. It further conducts an empirical analysis to estimate the relationship between child poverty rates and child maltreatment report (CMR) rates, utilizing national county-level data. The study then calculates the indirect effects of policy changes on CMR rates, mediated through child poverty rates, by integrating information from previous studies with its own empirical findings. Among the policy changes explored in prior studies, those related to a child allowance and a fully refundable Child Tax Credit demonstrate the largest indirect effects but also the highest costs. The expansion of in-kinds and near-cash benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and housing vouchers, shows moderate effects with moderate costs. Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit exhibit lower effects and costs when targeted at the lowest earners, and moderate effects and costs for broader expansion. Focused tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, had lower effects and costs, even if made fully refundable. Despite certain limitations, the study's approach yields consistent estimates with a recent simulation study, indicating its potential validity. While some proposed policy changes may seem expensive, implementing them is anticipated to substantially reduce CMR rates, with the benefits outweighing the associated costs. Overall, the findings suggest that addressing child poverty to reduce CMRs is an attractive strategy with numerous potential benefits.
AB - This study includes a scoping review of prior studies investigating the effects of policy changes on child poverty rates. It further conducts an empirical analysis to estimate the relationship between child poverty rates and child maltreatment report (CMR) rates, utilizing national county-level data. The study then calculates the indirect effects of policy changes on CMR rates, mediated through child poverty rates, by integrating information from previous studies with its own empirical findings. Among the policy changes explored in prior studies, those related to a child allowance and a fully refundable Child Tax Credit demonstrate the largest indirect effects but also the highest costs. The expansion of in-kinds and near-cash benefits, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and housing vouchers, shows moderate effects with moderate costs. Tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit exhibit lower effects and costs when targeted at the lowest earners, and moderate effects and costs for broader expansion. Focused tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, had lower effects and costs, even if made fully refundable. Despite certain limitations, the study's approach yields consistent estimates with a recent simulation study, indicating its potential validity. While some proposed policy changes may seem expensive, implementing them is anticipated to substantially reduce CMR rates, with the benefits outweighing the associated costs. Overall, the findings suggest that addressing child poverty to reduce CMRs is an attractive strategy with numerous potential benefits.
KW - Child abuse
KW - Child maltreatment
KW - Child poverty
KW - Child protective services
KW - County-level analysis
KW - Indirect effects
KW - Poverty policy
KW - Scoping review
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85176284432&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85176284432&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107311
DO - 10.1016/j.childyouth.2023.107311
M3 - Article
C2 - 38031557
AN - SCOPUS:85176284432
SN - 0190-7409
VL - 156
JO - Children and Youth Services Review
JF - Children and Youth Services Review
M1 - 107311
ER -