Child maltreatment, family dysfunction and juvenile delinquency: A case-control study

Objective: The purpose of this case-control study was to examine the effect, magnitude, and forms of child maltreatment, family dysfunction and related risk factors on juvenile delinquency in Taiwan. Methods: A cumulative... [ view full abstract ]

Objective: The purpose of this case-control study was to examine the effect, magnitude, and forms of child maltreatment, family dysfunction and related risk factors on juvenile delinquency in Taiwan.
Methods: A cumulative incidence sampling technique was used to identify cases and controls. The case group composed of 349 juvenile offenders instituted in juvenile correctional institutions in Taiwan. The control group consisted of 1,016 adolescents from 20 high schools matching to cases (offenders) by age, gender and residential location. Child maltreatment was measured by the Chinese version of International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect Child Abuse Screening Tools Children's Home Version.
Results: Compared to their counterparts, juvenile offenders reported a significantly higher rate of all 5 forms of child maltreatment during their lifetime, more multiple forms of child maltreatment and experiencing significantly higher rates in high polyvictimization (≥ 7 victimizations). Child maltreatment experience was an important risk factor of juvenile delinquency with an increased risk of 3.75 times (p < .001) over the lifetime. After adjusting for the household monthly income, parents’ marital status and educational level, and family histories of mental illnesses and criminality, overall child maltreatment and lifetime high polyvictimization (≥ 7 victimizations) experience remained as significant predictors for juvenile delinquency.
Conclusion: This population-based, case-control study demonstrates an increased risk of juvenile delinquency in adolescents who are victims of child maltreatment, and identified the effect of family risk factors on delinquent behaviors among Taiwan adolescents. Juvenile offenders were more likely than high school students to experience all forms of child maltreatment during the past year and lifetime except for past year sexual abuse. Child maltreatment in Taiwan is a national problem that mandates a review of child abuse funding and policy.