Offense records for the most recently adjudicated youths in each of four State-operated facilities were examined to identify youths meeting Groth's (1977) definitions for juvenile sexual offenses and criteria for status offenses as well as nonsexual violent offenses. Eighty-two youths participated in the study. Self-report and record data were obtained on family history, education, behavioral problems, criminal history, history of abuse, exposure to pornography, and early childhood memories. Juvenile child molesters were found to have experienced more parental use of violence and to have been victims of physical and sexual abuse more often than the other offender groups. Child molesters expressed greater need for control and inclusion in interpersonal relationships and problems related to self-esteem. The content of early childhood memories and exposure to pornographic material differed among the groups. The groups did not differ in assertiveness, self-concept, or family-history variables. Implications of these differences for future research are considered. 3 tables and 33 references