NCJ Number
134521
Date Published
1991
Length
92 pages
Annotation
This task force report constitutes Virginia's first systemwide effort to develop a profile of juvenile female offenders, assesses the types and availability of programs for such offenders throughout the State, analyzes Bon Air Learning Center's program, examines public education/information strategies to assist these young women, and examines staff training needs.
Abstract
Data were obtained from the Virginia Juvenile Justice Information System, the Residential Care Data System, and client files at the learning centers. The task force concluded that the females under the jurisdiction of Virginia's juvenile justice system are nonviolent, minor offenders or girls who have exhibited problem, noncriminal behaviors such as running away from home. For the most part they have suffered abuse, neglect, and exploitation such that their emotional needs propel them into behaviors they know to be harmful to themselves and perhaps to others. The task force recommendations are based in some broad proposals. The task force proposes that equitable treatment for girls be achieved at all points in the juvenile justice system and that a coordinated approach be designed to match offenders' needs to many and varied services provided by child-serving agencies, both public and private. Also recommended is improved training for staff at all levels of service delivery. A management information system should be developed that will permit the tracking of youth and the monitoring of program effectiveness. Finally, interagency communication, coordination, and cooperation must be enhanced to provide more effective services to all youth. 16 tables and appended supplementary data and forms