As we have made clear in this report, child abuse and neglect have a tremendous impact on society, with victims of child abuse more likely to fail at school, engage in criminal behavior later in life, and costing taxpayers millions of dollars in treatment for mental illness, physical and emotional disabilities and alcohol and drug addictions. Massachusetts is currently enjoying an almost unprecedented period of economic prosperity. This is an ideal time to consider what the public sector's role must be in supporting child abuse prevention efforts and treatment for abuse and neglect victims. To date, sufficient funds have not been allocated to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation's children, a public health crisis of significant proportions.
Adequate resources exist in Massachusetts to address the child abuse crisis in our state.
The following funding streams have been identified and should be explored further as possible sources to implement recommendations of the State Call To Action recommendations. The Victim Compensation Fund has applicability to minors who are victims of abuse, and victim witnesses to violence. The fund can be used as a last resort when insurance or Medicaid benefits have been depleted and ongoing treatment is needed. Children who witness violence can make a claim through their protective parent or guardian and receive a portion of the award. Historically, the fund has not been tapped to support multidisciplinary assessments of abused and neglected children, but proposed federal regulations relating to victim compensation funds provide for this coverage.