The focus of the book is the sexual abuse of children, since data indicate this is the offense most often committed by juvenile sex offenders; and those who sexually victimize children have the largest number of victims. Rape and other deviant sexual behaviors are handled separately in the book only when theory or practice differs significantly. The book generally assumes that all sexually exploitative behaviors are contained within a single continuum with more commonalities than differences. After defining the problem of sexually abusive behaviors committed by juveniles and exploring its scope, the book provides a historical perspective and the rationale for intervention with this population. It addresses theories of etiology and the development of specialized programs and then presents a developmental perspective by looking at sexuality, deviancy, and the role of sexuality and abusiveness in sexual offending. The consequences of sexual abuse are considered by looking at the impact of these behaviors on both the victims and the perpetrators, as well as the families of each. Next, the book presents a basic introduction to the system's legal and therapeutic responses and a foundation for specialized treatment approaches. The book is intended for clinicians already working in the field, and it is also appropriate for graduate study. For individual chapters, see NCJ-171450-70. Tables and references accompany the chapters.