Gender Specific Services Work Group, A Report to the Governor: Moving Toward Juvenile Justice and Youth-Serving Systems That Address the Distinct Experience of the Adolescent Female

• NCJ Number: 177622
• Author(s): Joanne Belknap Ph.D; Melissa Dunn; Kristi Holsinger
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 36 pages
• Grant Number(s): 93-JE-FX-0039
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP)
• Corporate Author: Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
• Sale Source: Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Because the number of female juvenile delinquents is relatively small and programs tend to focus on their male counterparts, girls may not receive adequate and appropriate services from the juvenile justice system.

Abstract

In addition to inadequate programs and services for adolescent females, traditional sex stereotypes affect various facets of juvenile justice decision-making. Adolescent females are frequently expected to conform to traditional gender roles. Girls who deviate form these stereotypes by being more aggressive or adventurous may be viewed as at risk or in trouble, while boys who engage in similar behaviors may be viewed as normal. Mirroring societal gender stereotypes, juvenile courts have traditionally viewed adolescent females as more vulnerable and in need of court intervention than their male counterparts. In response to research and trends in female offending and challenges associated with providing treatment for adolescent females, gender-specific programming and service delivery systems must meet the unique needs of females, acknowledge the female perspective, support the female experience through positive female role models, listen to the needs and experiences of adolescent females, recognize the contributions of girls and women, respect female development, empower girls and young women to reach their full potential, and change established attitudes that prevent or discourage young women from reaching their full potential. Key findings from the Gender Specific Services Work Group convened by Ohio's Office of Criminal Justice Services are detailed in terms of differential treatment based on gender, difficult and traumatic life and family experiences, health issues, transition from the institutional setting to the community, and the role of parents. Research on female juvenile delinquents is reported that deals with pathways to offending, female juvenile inmates, long-term confinement, pregnancy, and programming. Data on female juvenile delinquents in Ohio are tabulated for adjudications, commitments, and offense types. Successful program models and approaches for female juvenile delinquents are noted, and policy recommendations to help this segment of the juvenile population are offered. 60 references and 7 tables