NCJ Number
237592
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 50 Issue: 6 Dated: August - September 2011 Pages: 305-326
Date Published
2011
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study presents a comparison of the characteristics of 337 Canadian adult female gang offenders with a matched sample of women offenders.
Abstract
A comparison of the characteristics of 337 Canadian adult female gang offenders with a matched sample of women offenders showed that they were more likely to have been sentenced for violent offenses, had a greater number of prior youth and criminal convictions, and served prior terms of incarceration. Gang members were also assessed as having higher overall needs and risks, lower levels of motivation for change, and a higher risk of recidivism. An important first step in developing rehabilitative programs to respond to their needs is to better understand these attributes. Gang management strategies should also be informed by what the research tells us about these gang members. (Published Abstract)