Demographic and Parental Characteristics of Youthful Sexual Offenders

This study, employing meta-analysis, investigates 20 years (1973-1993) of empirical data involving demographic and parental correlates of youthful sexual offenders. Three offender subtypes, pedophilic, sexual assault, and mixed offense youth, are identified. Pedophilic youth are described as being principally Caucasian, living in foster care, and having an education of < sixth grade. They tend to be from lower to mid socioeconomic status (SES) maladaptive families. Mothers of these youth have been physically abused as children, and fathers abuse drugs. Sexual assault youth come from low-to mid-SES, single parent, dysfunctional families with fathers abusing alcohol. These youth are most often Caucasian. Mixed offense offenders are predominately from lower SES families, are Caucasian, Protestant, and have <? high school education. Families are dysfunctional with paternal substance abuse. Fathers report being neglected as children, whereas mothers indicate physical abuse.