In the studies reviewed, 1 to 25 percent of abused children later committed juvenile offenses, and approximately 15 percent of neglected children did so. These studies, however, contain numerous methodological problems that render the interpretation of these data ambiguous. In the absence of control groups, longitudinal research studies on crime and delinquency can be used to shed some light on the significance of these data. No study to date has found an association between child abuse or neglect and delinquent behavior that varies significantly from delinquency prevalence rates. Child abuse and neglect are associated with a variety of negative outcomes other than subsequent delinquency, such that the prevention of child abuse is justified on many bases. Studies suggest that intervention of families of abused or neglected children may prevent the siblings of the maltreated child from becoming abused or neglected or from committing a juvenile offense. 47 references.