Abstract
Existing studies point to relationships between child abuse and crime perpetration in adulthood. Child abuse and trauma are strongly connected to mental health. In this study, the relationship between child abuse and neglect (AN), out-of-home placement (OP), lead poisoning (LP), and arrest for serious offenses including murder and homicide AC, prior to adulthood was explored. Findings showed that AN significantly predicted arrest for violent and serious crimes. OP did not have a significant relationship with arrest for serious and violent crimes AC. LP was not significantly associated with arrest for serious crime AC. Implications on child protection, mental health, and social work education are discussed.