The psychosocial characteristics of juvenile sexual offenders referred to an adolescent forensic service in the UK

Criminal statistics indicate that a high percentage of sexual offences are committed by perpetrators under the age of 18 years. Descriptive data based on a retrospective case note study of 121 juvenile sexual offender referrals to an adolescent forensic unit are presented. The results suggest that adolescents commit an array of offences and present with generalized adjustment difficulties. Conduct disorder was the most common diagnosis, while rates of mental illness were lower than in earlier studies. Abused as opposed to non-abused offenders experienced more dysfunctional upbringings and demonstrated higher rates of personal disturbance. Theoretical and treatment implications are discussed in relation to the available literature on adolescent sexual offending.