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 yo uthful sexual offenders. Three offender subtypes, pedophilic, sexual a ssault and mixed offense youth, are identified. Pedophilic youth are d escribed as being principally Caucasian, living in foster care, and ha ving an education of less than or equal to sixth grade. They tend to b e from lower to mid socioeconomic status (SES) maladaptive families. M others of these youth have been physically abused as children and fath ers abuse drugs. Sexual assault youth come from low- to mid-SES, singl e parent, dysfunctional families with fathers abusing alcohol. These y outh are most often Caucasian. Mired offense offenders are predominate ly from lower SES families, are Caucasian, Protestant, and have I high school education. Families are dysfunctional with paternal substance abuse. Fathers report being neglected as children, whereas mothers ind icate physical abuse.