NCJ Number
164671
Journal
Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume: 11 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 55-63
Date Published
1996
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines gender bias in the juvenile justice system and discusses initiatives and remaining needs for establishing gender-specific programming for at-risk females and female juvenile offenders based on educational and informational research.
Abstract
Gender bias is pervasive in juvenile justice and has negatively affected programs and services for female juvenile offenders. Gender bias is both structural and procedural. The 1992 amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act required States to address gender bias and called for an analysis of gender-specific treatment and prevention services. In addition, funding through State Challenge Program Activities has helped States develop policies to prohibit gender bias in juvenile justice. Related and resulting activities that have helped raise awareness of gender-specific issues include the 1995 OJJDP Special Emphasis Program Grants, the decisions by professional juvenile justice associations to make gender-specific programming a priority issue, the OJJDP 1994 Study of Conditions of Confinement, and the Juvenile Justice Personnel Improvement Project. However, basic problems remain, including the increase in females entering the system and an absence of programs and services designed specifically for females. Needed actions include reviewing initiatives and the literature on gender differences; developing guiding principles, criteria, and recommendations; translating the guiding principles into training and technical assistance tools; and stimulating synergism at the national and local levels to create and enhance the quality of programs and services for adolescent female offenders and those at risk. 16 references