NCJ Number
168897
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 76 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1997) Pages: 475-499
Date Published
1997
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study explores the prevalence of reported sexual activity of a cohort of children (n=846) entering out-of-home care and the ability of selected factors to explain reported sexual activity and use or nonuse of contraceptives.
Abstract
Children as young as age 8 reported sexual activity (defined as having engaged in sexual intercourse), and more than one-third of the children age 8 to 18 reported being sexually active. Of those who were sexually active, more than one-third were not using contraceptives. Using logistic regression, five variables are identified as having importance in explaining sexual activity: age, race, behavior problems, homicidal ideation and drug use. Two variables have some limited ability to explain contraceptive use: gender and entering care because of parental absence or incapacity. Findings suggest that many children in care who are sexually active are very troubled and need multidimensional assessment and treatment, interventions that encompass the constellation of problems rather than each in isolation. The article discusses implications of these and other findings and makes suggestions for policy and practice. Tables, references