NCJ Number
232845
Date Published
2010
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a literature review on research that has examined the link between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency, and discusses ways to improve the services needed by these youth.
Abstract
Review of the literature shows that juvenile justice research has established a link between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency, with children who have been abused more likely than children in the general population to commit delinquent acts. Seeking help for these children, known as dual jurisdiction youth because they are involved with both juvenile justice and child welfare agencies, is difficult due to their special needs. The literature review identified effective programmatic responses to deal with these children and to overcome the challenges faced by agencies that handle their cases. The literature emphasizes the need for early and effective intervention programs, and identifies some of the obstacles that can prevent enhanced collaboration and coordination between child welfare and juvenile justice agencies. Areas identified in the literature where juvenile justice and child welfare agencies can improve their services to dual jurisdiction youth include screening and assessment, case assignment, case flow management, case planning and supervision, and interagency collaboration. The article also discusses research results that have identified factors that predict delinquency as well as research that examines how the factors of delinquency are connected to the consequences of child maltreatment. References