NCJ Number
200969
Date Published
2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines abused and neglected children's risk of arrest as juveniles and as adults, as well as the health and mental health problems of abused and neglected youth at high risk for delinquency.
Abstract
Comprehensive and systematically collected data on child abuse and neglect cases and subsequent arrests of children as juveniles and adults is not currently available; however, selected studies have been conducted. The general conclusion of these studies is that early childhood victimization places children at increased risk for arrest as juveniles and as adults. Physically abused children were four times more likely to be arrested as an adult for sex crimes of any type, but especially violent sex crimes. Abused and neglected children in general were significantly more likely than control groups to be runaways. Health problems of runaway, high-risk, and delinquent youth have included a high incidence of substance abuse, suicide attempts, sexually transmitted disease, high-risk pregnancy with exposure of the fetus to drugs, hepatitis, HIV disease, and serious injuries secondary to firearms and car accidents. The chapter recommends complete medical evaluations for youth at high risk for delinquency and a trauma-oriented approach to juvenile delinquency along with the traditional behavioral and social-support approach. The etiology of problem behaviors must be addressed to ensure that intervention programs are tailored and responsive to early childhood victimization issues being played out in delinquent, runaway, and antisocial behavior. A case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 2 tables and 8 resources