There is evidence that maltreated children are at greater risk for lifelong health and social problems, including mental illnesses, criminality, chronic diseases, disability1 and poorer quality of life.2 A history of child maltreatment is also associated with lower adult levels of economic well - being
across a wide range of metrics, including higher levels of economic inactivity, lower
occupational status, lower earnings and lower expected earnings.3 Existing research suggests a ripple effect caused by lower educational achievement, higher levels of truancy and expulsion reducing peak earning capacity by US$ 5000 a year4 or an average lifetime cost of US$ 210012 per person1 when considering productivity losses and costs from healthcare, child welfare, criminal justice and special education.