Five background characteristics were examined through an analysis of social service system data collected in the early 1950's and early 1970's, including the presence or absence of parents in the home, the number of children in the family, the presence or absence of a cohabitator in the household, and birth in or out of wedlock. Analysis showed that the incidence of child maltreatment and subsequent delinquent behavior was highest when both parents were in the home in the 1950's sample, while for the 1970's sample, this was true in families where only the mother was present. Family size was related to maltreatreatment and subsequent delinquency in both the 1950's and 1970's samples. In general, more stressful family combinations (such as larger numbers of children, the presence of cohabitators and, in the 1950's sample, parents who married, because the wife was pregnant) seemed to lead to physical abuse and later delinquent activity. The experience of maltreatment led to delinquent behavior rather than to social service involvement. Tabular data, footnotes and about 15 references are included. For the final report, see NCJ 74798.