NCJ Number
198695
Date Published
2003
Length
65 pages
Annotation
This monograph presents the findings of the growing body of research that shows the connection between child maltreatment and subsequent delinquent behavior by the victims.
Abstract
Studies that have focused on the link between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency have used a variety of methodologies, but they have yielded a similar conclusion, i.e., that individuals who experience any type of maltreatment in childhood are more likely than people who were not maltreated to be arrested later in life. Research generally has shown that the consequences of childhood abuse and neglect have the potential to affect a child's ability to interact with the world across multiple domains of functioning. Although there is a group of abused and neglected children who are apparently resistant to the negative outcomes of most of the research findings, the clear implication of the research findings is that early intervention is required in the lives of abused and neglected children in order to facilitate positive adjustment. Historically, the child welfare and juvenile justice systems have operated in separate domains, often with distinct funding allocations for mandates on behalf of the children, youth, families, and communities they serve. It is critical that child protection agencies and juvenile justice agencies embrace common responsibilities and common goals that require the child welfare, juvenile justice, and other youth-serving agencies to work in new, more effective and collaborative efforts. This monograph suggests steps that should be taken to inaugurate such a systemic reform. 5 tables and 81 notes