How state economic policies could reduce child abuse and family violence
Official title: RFA-CE-24-034: Evaluating the Effects of Ecosystems of State Policy Strategies on Preventing Multiple Forms of Violence Against Children
Funded at Prevent Child Abuse America · NIH-11164456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether state economic policies—like paid family leave, child tax credits, childcare subsidies, minimum wage increases, and refundable earned income tax credits—can lower child abuse and intimate partner violence affecting families.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Prevent Child Abuse America NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,998 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CE003658-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11164456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Families with children, caregivers, or adults living in U.S. states with varying economic support policies—especially lower-income households—are the most relevant group for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without children, residents outside the U.S., or individuals whose risk is driven by non-economic factors may not receive direct benefit from these policy changes.
What this research studies
Researchers will compare U.S. states that have different economic support policies to see how those policies relate to reports of child maltreatment and intimate partner violence. They will use large administrative and survey datasets and quasi-experimental methods to compare outcomes over time between states that adopted policies and those that did not. The team will link population-level records and possibly household survey data to examine changes in reports, emergency visits, and related indicators. Results are intended to guide state policymakers on economic steps that could make family life safer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could guide state policy choices that strengthen family economic supports and potentially reduce child abuse and family violence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked some economic policies to reductions in child maltreatment or intimate partner violence, but findings vary and more rigorous, comparative analyses are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Prevent Child Abuse America
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thibodeau, Eric L — Prevent Child Abuse America
- Study coordinator: Thibodeau, Eric L
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.