NCJ Number
207778
Date Published
2001
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the later delinquent and adult criminal careers of early-onset (ages 7-12) offenders and compares them with the later criminal careers of late-onset offenders.
Abstract
The chapter opens with a review of the following four theoretical perspectives that provide explanations for the effects of child delinquency on subsequent life events: Moffitt's (1997) life course-persistent/adolescence-limited topological theory, Patterson's coercion theory (1991), Thornberry and Krohn's (in press) interactional theory, and Gottfredson and Hirschi's (1990) self-control theory. After reviewing these theories, the chapter examines the empirical literature that tested these explanations, with attention to longitudinal studies that compared early-onset offenders to late-onset offenders. In addition to the published literature, the chapter presents new analyses that examine some of these key relationships. This analysis is replicated across data sites in Rochester, NY; Montreal, Canada; and Pittsburgh, PA. The empirical findings show that child delinquents have higher subsequent crime rates, and they are more likely to become involved in serious and violent crimes. Such findings point toward the importance of intervening early to modify the problem behaviors of children. These interventions must rely on findings regarding the factors that contribute to early offending. A generation of rich longitudinal data sources should aid in identifying these factors. 11 tables, 4 notes, and appended listing of studies reviewed and the effect sizes of each