Using benefit-cost analysis to assess child abuse prevention and intervention programs

Benefits and costs are discussed when child abuse prevention and interventi on programs are proposed and evaluated, but systemic benefit-cost analysis as developed by economists has not been applied to such programs. This arti cle presents the case for using benefit-cost analysis to structure evaluati ons of child abuse prevention and intervention programs. It presents the ba sic concept of benefit-cost analysis, its application in the context of ass essing these types of child welfare programs, and limitations on its applic ation to social service programs.