A total of 220 abused children and 220 matched control children participated in the study. Records of the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services were used to obtain data on delinquency referrals. A comparison of the percentages of delinquency referral rates for both groups showed that the abused group had a higher delinquency referral rate than the control group (56 percent higher). The abused males had a 76 percent higher referral rate than the control males, and the abused females had a 32.5 percent higher referral rate. Delinquency referral rates differed by age between abused and nonabused groups. The findings suggest that delinquency and crime prevention should focus on the early provision of a nurturing environment for children. At-risk families must be targeted for support and education that will help prevent abuse and foster parenting skills that lead to positive child development. 4 tables and 18 references