NCJ Number
209448
Date Published
April 2004
Length
99 pages
Annotation
This study explored the need for and availability of specialized services for girls within the New Mexico juvenile justice system.
Abstract
Juvenile arrests for girls rose 50 percent nationally between 1989 and 1998, making girls the fastest growing population within the juvenile justice system. Girls represent one-third of the juvenile justice clientele in New Mexico and, as such, the current study examined the need for and availability of distinct services for delinquent girls within the State juvenile justice system. Three types of data were analyzed: (1) profiles of girls currently in the juvenile justice system and their services contact over time; (2) profiles of services available to juvenile justice professionals working with delinquent girls and their perceived needs concerning this female population; and (3) a review of the national research literature. Survey data were collected from 29 girls in the juvenile justice system and 61 juvenile justice professionals, including probation and parole officers, social workers, public defenders, and attorneys. Additionally, interview data were collected from 20 families with juvenile justice contacts. Results of statistical and qualitative analyses indicated a distinct need for more specialized services that address the needs of delinquent girls. Among the most salient needs are sexual abuse and trauma treatment, programs designed to teach personal safety, teen parenting programs, and services for girls suffering from serious head injuries. Several strategies are recommended for the New Mexico juvenile justice system, such as combining structure and supervision with support, increasing the environmental safety for girls, allowing probation and parole professionals the time to talk through problems and solutions with female clients, and the development of referral sources for girls dealing with specialized problems. Other recommendations include developing services based on individual needs and developing services that target the unique problems experienced by girls. Future research should focus on assessing the effectiveness of juvenile justice programs developed specifically for girls. Footnotes, tables, appendixes