NCJ Number
242327
Date Published
April 2013
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article spotlights the careers and lessons learned by five women who have demonstrated leadership skills and abilities in the field of juvenile justice.
Abstract
As each of the women interviewed for this article reviewed their career paths, it was clear that there was no single path to leadership for women in juvenile justice. Although the positions held by these women have differed, their experience has been broad-based; they have crossed the traditional boundaries of agencies to work with others and to achieve positive outcomes. The women were asked to identify the skills and opportunities that resulted in their being identified as leaders. The responses were similar. Each was or has become known as being "reform-focused." They became known as staunch advocates for improving outcomes for youths and for holding them accountable for law-abiding behavior. Their reform orientations stemmed from being part of learning networks that expanded their knowledge of the juvenile justice system and other forms of systems/services. Writing articles and papers provided opportunities to think more deeply about issues and consider alternative strategies for achieving better outcomes. Some lessons they learned they consider unique to women. These include having a family-work balance; navigating in a world dominated by men; receiving criticism more often and more harshly than men; and building relationships based on respect while insisting on accountability. Three of the five women interviewed felt that when women speak or advocate for something, they are still not taken seriously, or are often discounted. This requires patience and persistence in adopting and reshaping various strategies for needed change. A listing of recommendations for women leaders is provided. 2 figures and 8 notes