From 2012 to 2023, there were over 7 million confirmed cases of child maltreatment reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) in the US, including emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, with substantial implications for the affected children’s physical and mental health over their life course. Disparities in CPS involvement by socioeconomic status and among racial and ethnic minoritized groups are pervasive and due in large part to the contribution of poverty to the likelihood of experiencing maltreatment. Although there are numerous economic factors that undermine the financial well-being of families in the US, rising childcare costs threaten prior gains in parental labor force participation and income, ultimately pushing more families toward poverty. As cost of living continues to rise relative to stagnant wages, families need a combination of income supports and subsidies to afford necessities. In particular, evidence is needed to understand how governmental provision of free and low-cost food, housing, and early childhood education impact key outcomes in children. Effective interventions are needed to improve the overall health of children and their families in the US.