Juveniles account for a significant percentage of the sexual assaults against children and women. The onset of sexual behavior problems in juveniles appears to be linked to a number of factors, including child maltreatment and exposure to violence and pornography. Research suggests that a distinction can be made between juveniles who target peers or adults and those who offend against children. The former group appears to be more anti-social and violent. Juvenile sexual offending appears to traverse racial and cultural boundaries. Legal and mental health intervention is believed to be important in deterring a continuation of such behavior. The most effective intervention is believed to consist of a combination of legal sanctions, monitoring, and specialized clinical programming. Programs reflecting the collaborative efforts of juvenile justice and mental health professions generally report low sexual recidivism rates. Clinical programming for juvenile sex offenders typically includes a combination of individual, group, and family therapies. Important aspects of the effective treatment of juvenile sex offenders include the establishment of positive self-esteem, the teaching and clarification of values, the provision of sex education, the enhancement of social skills, the teaching of impulse control, and the teaching of relapse prevention. Federal guidelines specifically require the registering of juveniles when they have been convicted of rape, nonconsensual sexual perpetration or sodomy, or incest with a victim at least 2 years younger than themselves. 11 references, 12 notes