Poster #16 - The Impact of Abuse on Delinquency

• In Event: Poster Session II

Abstract

Through empirical research, we know that most children do not grow up to be juvenile delinquents, or even adult offenders. However, research also indicates that of all juvenile delinquents and adult offenders, most have a history of some type of child abuse (e.g. physical, sexual, psychological, and or neglect). This research seeks to understand what factors may lead children of abusive homes to become delinquent and what factors may prevent children of abusive homes from becoming juvenile delinquents. Some of the intervening factors that help prevent children of abusive home from becoming delinquent that have been identified in the literature are resilience, intervention/removal from the home, and therapy. Finally, this research examines different educational programs that seek to rehabilitate who are delinquent so that they may go on to become law-abiding, productive members of society.

Authors

• Brittany Cooley, Dalton State College

• Natalie Jo Johnson, Dalton State College