NCJ Number
189561
Date Published
January 2000
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape addresses issues surrounding female youth delinquency, primarily from an Ohio perspective.
Abstract
In a 100-year-old juvenile justice system originally developed to meet the needs of male offenders, treatment geared towards girls is often scarce and inadequate. This presentation, while addressing issues surrounding female youth delinquency in Ohio, highlights national statistics and programs working to empower delinquent and at-risk girls. It contains perspectives and stories from academics, government officials, professionals in the field, representatives of the Ohio judiciary, and from girls who have been incarcerated in detention and correctional facilities. Speakers discuss the need for gender-specific programs and for broader understanding of girls' and young women's special requirements. They also emphasize the value of prevention efforts to keep young females from entering the juvenile justice system and early intervention to help turn their lives around. The speakers also discuss the need for aftercare to help juvenile female offenders resist the temptations of their former life if they return there after a treatment and training program. The presentation describes successful programs in Florida, New York State, and Ohio. The presentation concludes that girls' programs are most successful when they focus on teaching positive relationship skills.