Testimony Submitted by Susan Morris, Chair, and Farrell Lines, Chair Elect, on Behalf of the National Coalition of State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups - Hearing on the Reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 Provision of Services to Girls and the Juvenile Ju

• NCJ Number: 136997
• Author(s): S Morris; F Lines
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Testimony by representatives of the National Coalition of State Juvenile Justice Advisory Groups on the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 focuses on the provision of programs and services for at-risk and delinquent girls.

Abstract

Those involved with the problems of delinquent and at-risk juveniles agree that the special needs of girls have been overlooked. This has resulted in a lack of community-based programs for girls and the consequent inappropriate placement of girls in training schools and detention centers. Many girls who become involved in the juvenile justice system are runaways or truants who are attempting to escape sexual abuse at home. Many are pregnant or are already parents. Due to such conditions, community-based services and programs should provide sexual abuse counseling, pregnancy counseling, training in parenting skills, and child care. Very few such programs currently exist. The few programs that have targeted girls have demonstrated their value. They must be replicated across the Nation as a means of ensuring that girls are not inappropriately incarcerated. Federal funds for such programs have been used effectively, but more is needed through reauthorization of and increased funding for the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.