This study examined the self-reported presence and severity of abuse, neglect, and depressive symptoms for 43 adolescents adjudicated delinquent due to a sexual offense. Twenty-seven of the adolescent sexual offenders were also diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, and 16 did not carry an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Both groups…

Purpose: This paper highlights the forensic implications of language impairment in 2 key (and overlapping) groups of young people: identified victims of maltreatment (abuse and/or neglect) and young offenders. Method: Two lines of research pertaining to oral language competence and young people's interface with the law are considered: 1 regarding…

This study compares sexually victimized and nonsexually victimized male adolescent sexual abusers on a number of variables. Self-report measures were administered to 325 male sexually abusive youth (average age 16) in six residential facilities in the Midwest, 55% of whom reported sexual victimization. The results indicate that the sexually…

Previous studies have suggested that offenders have lowered verbal intelligence compared to their performance intelligence. This phenomenon has been linked traditionally to childhood risk factors (e.g. deficient education, abuse and neglect). Substantial discrepancies between performance intelligence quotients (PIQ) and verbal intelligence…

Few studies have investigated the characteristics of female sex offenders and factors and/or causes of female deviance. Research to date has been descriptive in nature, with few comparison studies. Using a correlational design and three valid instruments, female sexual offenders and a matched group of female nonsexual offenders are compared in the…

Objectives: Characteristics of the child victim, perpetrator, and maltreatment incident were used to examine predictors of court involvement in cases of serious child maltreatment. Method: Cases were drawn from those reported to: child protective services (n = 225), "sheriff's office" ( n = 225), "prosecutor's office" ( n = 60), "and dependency…

This handbook was written to heighten public awareness and understanding about child abuse and to serve as a practical aid for persons who work with children, who are in the field of child abuse prevention, and who are mandated to report suspected cases of child abuse under the California Child Abuse Reporting Law. It provides an overview of the…

Data on child abuse and neglect in Illinois during fiscal year 1986 are collected in this report. Statistical highlights indicate that in 1986 a total of 70,422 Illinois children were reported as victims of child abuse or neglect: a rate of 21.7 alleged victims per 1,000 children. Credible evidence indicated that 33,959 children were abused or…

Using a prospective cohorts design, this study assessed the long-term criminal consequences of childhood abuse/neglect in 908 cases. Early childhood sexual abuse did not uniquely increase risk for later delinquent and criminal behavior, compared to other types of abuse/neglect. Child abuse victims were at higher risk of adult arrest for sex crimes…

An epidemiological survey revealed a 1-year period prevalence rate of 1.5 juvenile sexual offenders per 1000 males (ages 12-17) within Oxfordshire (England), and .85 per 1000 of all youth in that age group. The majority of sexually abusive youth were male, with a family history of neglect, physical abuse, and/or sexual abuse. Behavioral and…

This manual is intended to provide mental health professionals with the information needed in the evaluation and treatment of maltreated children and their families. An introductory chapter briefly considers the roles of the various mental health disciplines in child abuse intervention, including psychiatry, psychology, clinical social work,…