COLUMBIA, S.C. — A study by the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina estimates that higher medical costs, increased workplace absenteeism, and lower wage levels collectively cause $74.2 billion in annual economic losses across South Carolina. This amount reflects all business activity in the state that is lost, either directly or indirectly, due to the long-term health and employment impacts of child abuse and neglect.

“Higher rates of child abuse and neglect are linked to a large number of negative health, social, and employment outcomes later in life,” said Joseph Von Nessen, Ph.D., research economist and author of the study. “These effects carry significant long-run economic consequences for both the victims of this abuse as well as for their families, communities, and ultimately for the state of South Carolina.”

“Child abuse and neglect threaten far more than a child’s immediate safety. They undermine the stability, health and potential of entire communities,” said Sue Williams, CEO of Children’s Trust of South Carolina. “Beyond the immeasurable human toll, the economic costs ripple through families, communities and our state for decades. Investing in prevention is not only the right thing to do, but it is one of the smartest investments South Carolina can make in its future.”

The study used South Carolina data on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to measure the frequency of child abuse and neglect. ACEs are direct experiences individuals have before age 18, including violence, abuse, neglect, and indirect experiences such as witnessing family violence or having a parent with substance abuse or mental health issues. Children who experience ACEs face a higher risk of negative outcomes later in life, including chronic health conditions and early death.

The study commissioned by Children’s Trust of South Carolina also highlights the economic power of prevention and intervention efforts. Currently, the study estimates that modest prevention efforts to reduce the number of adverse childhood experiences could save the state $21 billion in statewide economic impact over ten years, due to lower losses from reduced earnings, medical expenses, and workplace absenteeism.

The study includes county-level fact sheets that share population numbers for adults experiencing one or more ACEs, four or more ACEs, the lost economic activity, and potential prevention impacts. It also highlights the proven prevention programs currently in place in South Carolina and supported by Children’s Trust, including home visiting, the Strengthening Families Program, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) and family resource centers. 

This study affirms that children’s well-being is the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous South Carolina. “From higher medical costs to lost workdays and lower lifetime earnings, these impacts are felt equally in our rural and urban communities,” adds Williams. “The time is now for us to prioritize prevention. We encourage the state legislature to invest in the Children’s Trust Fund.

Children’s Trust will release the study and its 2026 legislative agenda at a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., in the first-floor lobby of the S.C. State House. Von Nessen and Williams will give remarks with the following supporters: 

• Senator Tom Young, Jr., District 24 – Aiken County
• Senator Mike Reichenbach, District 31, Florence County
• Representative Paula Rawl Calhoon, District 54 – Lexington
• Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County 
• Martha Edwards, Chair, S.C. Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

About Children’s Trust of South Carolina

Children’s Trust of South Carolina is the only statewide organization focused on preventing child abuse and neglect in South Carolina. It leads and supports a network that shares our belief that all children should thrive, live in secure families, and be surrounded by supportive communities. Children’s Trust coordinates the state’s efforts for the Strengthening Families Program, Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), the S.C. Adverse Childhood Experiences Initiative, Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting, Child Abuse Prevention Month, and KIDS COUNT. For more information, visit scChildren.org.