Date of Conferral

8-26-2025

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Raj Singh

Abstract

It is possible that childhood abuse and neglect could be linked to adult crime and delinquency. Intervention services' apparent ineffectiveness worries social workers, law enforcement, and policymakers. The literature found that abused children are more likely to commit crimes as adults without intervention and prevention, which harms society and abused children. Research suggests child abuse and adult crime may have early roots. The purpose of this qualitative study was to address adult victims firsthand accounts to identify intervention service gaps and suggest improvements. The qualitative design was used to address adult criminals who were abused as children and their unique experiences and perspectives. This study involved examining whether transitional services affected adult crime and used the conceptual framework of Robert Agnew's General Strain Theory. Purposive sampling was used to identify criminal justice system involved adults (18 and older) with a history of physical child abuse. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews involving participants’ perspectives and experiences. Results found that customized therapies and interventions apart from Cognitive behavior therapy CBT, music therapy, and reunification services are beneficial to the recipient. This study is intended to improve rehabilitation and reintegration programs to help traumatized people live productive and crime-free lives. The study shows, early support programs could help the affected individuals to cope with these experiences, creating an environment that fosters a safer society. Social change implications will bring awareness to the lack of effective intervention services available to vulnerable children and lead to the development of more effective, responsive, and evidence-based transition services.

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