NCJ Number
162718
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1996) Pages: 47-57
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study used computerized records of substantiated child abuse in the Florida Protective Services System's Department of Children, Youth, and Families to explore the effects of child abuse on the early onset of juvenile delinquency.
Abstract
A control group matched on racial group, gender, age, and socioeconomic status was used to compare juvenile delinquency rates among abused and nonabused young people. Findings revealed that abused children had a higher delinquency referral rate than control group children, that the relationship between abuse and delinquency was statistically significant at the 0.038 level, and that age was significant at the 0.091 level. Abused children were referred more for personal and status offenses than nonabused children. The author suggests that policymakers focus on early intervention and prevention programs since abused children are at greater risk of becoming involved in antisocial and criminal behavior than nonabused children because they are deprived of the nurturing environment essential for normal child development. In addition, the author recommends that community programs target not only abused children and delinquents but also abusers. 19 references, 6 notes, and 5 tables