Child Maltreatment And Juvenile Delinquency
Running head: CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 1
The Correlation Between Child Maltreatment & Juvenile Delinquency
Liberty University
April 6, 2014
CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 2
Abstract
Research suggests that there is a correlation between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency. The findings indicate that children, who have experienced abuse or neglect during childhood, are at increased risk of committing crimes in adolescence. A substantial number of children enter the juvenile justice system with a history of abuse, with approximately one third of these adolescence are actively associated with a child welfare agency at the time of their initial arrest. This …show more content…
The study sought to determine whether neglect is associated with recidivism for moderate and high risk juvenile offenders in Washington State. The sample was diverse (24% female, 13% African American, 8% Hispanic, 5% Native American) and included all moderate to high risk juvenile offenders with a history of child neglect between 2004 to 2007 (n = 19,833). The sample evaluated family, education, peers, alcohol and drugs, individual attitudes and beliefs, and occurrences of neglect. The study found a steady accumulation of reoffending over time and a relatively high proportion of youth recidivate within a short period of time. Moreover, research revealed that youth coming to the juvenile justice system with an open an active case of neglect were at the highest risk for recidivism. Within 18 months of the initial arrest, approximately 61% experience a subsequent arrest. A majority (67%) of the subsequent offenses occurred before the youth turned 18 years of age (Ryan, et al., 2013, p. …show more content…
More research is needed to determine whether the notion of a coordinated effort would be effective. It is necessary to make the development, evaluation and implementations of such strategies a priority to ensure the safety and welfare of It is important to note that not all children who have experienced maltreatment will proceed to subsequent delinquency. Children are resilient and many can go on to lead successful lives. Given the seriousness of child abuse in all its forms, and the physical and psychological damage it can cause, many do surprisingly well considering the types of problems they have encountered (Feldman, 2014, p.258). With proper intervention, guidance and resources, children with a history of abuse can make positive changes and turn their own personal tragedy into triumph. As stated, it is imperative that all youth serving agencies participate in a collaborated effort in an attempt to provide resources to at risk families, in addition to providing deterrence for subsequent delinquency. As funding for such resources are increasingly limited in our communities, advocacy and lobbying at the national level may be necessary. Considering the substantial research that is available connecting maltreatment and delinquency, this should be a priority and would likely prove to be of benefit to our families and
The Correlation Between Child Maltreatment & Juvenile Delinquency
Liberty University
April 6, 2014
CHILD MALTREATMENT & JUVENILE DELINQUENCY 2
Abstract
Research suggests that there is a correlation between child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency. The findings indicate that children, who have experienced abuse or neglect during childhood, are at increased risk of committing crimes in adolescence. A substantial number of children enter the juvenile justice system with a history of abuse, with approximately one third of these adolescence are actively associated with a child welfare agency at the time of their initial arrest. This …show more content…
The study sought to determine whether neglect is associated with recidivism for moderate and high risk juvenile offenders in Washington State. The sample was diverse (24% female, 13% African American, 8% Hispanic, 5% Native American) and included all moderate to high risk juvenile offenders with a history of child neglect between 2004 to 2007 (n = 19,833). The sample evaluated family, education, peers, alcohol and drugs, individual attitudes and beliefs, and occurrences of neglect. The study found a steady accumulation of reoffending over time and a relatively high proportion of youth recidivate within a short period of time. Moreover, research revealed that youth coming to the juvenile justice system with an open an active case of neglect were at the highest risk for recidivism. Within 18 months of the initial arrest, approximately 61% experience a subsequent arrest. A majority (67%) of the subsequent offenses occurred before the youth turned 18 years of age (Ryan, et al., 2013, p. …show more content…
More research is needed to determine whether the notion of a coordinated effort would be effective. It is necessary to make the development, evaluation and implementations of such strategies a priority to ensure the safety and welfare of It is important to note that not all children who have experienced maltreatment will proceed to subsequent delinquency. Children are resilient and many can go on to lead successful lives. Given the seriousness of child abuse in all its forms, and the physical and psychological damage it can cause, many do surprisingly well considering the types of problems they have encountered (Feldman, 2014, p.258). With proper intervention, guidance and resources, children with a history of abuse can make positive changes and turn their own personal tragedy into triumph. As stated, it is imperative that all youth serving agencies participate in a collaborated effort in an attempt to provide resources to at risk families, in addition to providing deterrence for subsequent delinquency. As funding for such resources are increasingly limited in our communities, advocacy and lobbying at the national level may be necessary. Considering the substantial research that is available connecting maltreatment and delinquency, this should be a priority and would likely prove to be of benefit to our families and