ABSTRACT
Studies have provided insights into the nature, extent, and factors of professional misconduct against juveniles in correctional treatment settings, as well as solutions to the problem. Professional misconduct against youth varies widely in type and seriousness. Categories include sexual misconduct, nonsexual abuse, neglect, property offenses, duplicity, and unprofessionalism (poor role modeling). The little research conducted suggests that misconduct occurs frequently enough to constitute a major problem. The literature also proposes causes and risk factors existing at individual offender, organizational, and institutional levels as well as victim characteristic risk factors. Finally, several prevention, detection, and intervention strategies are offered as solutions to the problem. However, there remains much to be learned.
