Researchers at Michigan State University said a study they published shows state-paid family leave policies are associated with a reduction in child maltreatment rates, especially among infants who rely on caregivers.
The researchers said child maltreatment, particularly among infants, is one of the most expensive public health crises the United States faces. Infants are particularly vulnerable to entering the child welfare system due to maltreatment.
The MSU study built on the findings of a study conducted by the CDC and published in 2017 that demonstrated a correlation between California's paid family leave policy and a decrease in hospitalizations for pediatric head trauma, which is one type of child maltreatment and a severe form of physical abuse.
MSU's research team expanded on this by exploring states that have implemented paid family leave, including California, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey.
Researchers analyzed data from 2002 to 2019 and found evidence that states which implemented paid family leave policies saw a notable decrease in infant maltreatment rates compared to states without such policies.
Sasha Klein, one of the study's authors and an associate professor at MSU's School of Social Work, said the correlation was obvious.
"We found corroborating evidence that there does really appear to be a protective effect of paid family leave on maltreatment of infants," Klein said, "and the reduction in child welfare system use would be, therefore, one of the outcomes that we would expect to see when states implement paid family leave."
The researches said they hope their study's impact goes beyond academic circles. They aim to influence ongoing policy debates, particularly in states like Michigan, where paid leave legislation is under consideration.
