A Structural Model of the Influence of Family Problems and Child Abuse Factors on Serious Delinquency Among Youths Processed at a Juvenile Assessment Center

Abstract

ABSTRACT The authors tested a model of the influence of arrested youths' family problem factors, including their sexual victimization and physical abuse experiences, on their drug use and frequency of involvement in index offenses. The sample involved 277 youths processed at the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center, in Tampa, Florida, who entered a NIDA funded service delivery project, called the Youth Support Project. The self-reported data we analyzed were collected during confidential in-depth, baseline interviews lasting an average of 2 hours. The hypothesized model was supported by the data overall and for the male youths, with the female youth data suggesting they use alcohol and marijuana for different reasons. The authors' findings underscore the importance of prevention and early intervention efforts involving at-risk youth and their families to reduce the prevalence and adverse consequences of these traumatic experiences.