Research indicates that sexual minority youth are disproportionately criminalized in the U.S. and subjected to abusive treatment while in correctional facilities. However, the scope and extent of disparities based on sexual orientation remains largely overlooked in the juvenile justice literature. This study, based on a nationally representative federal agency survey conducted in 2012 (N= 8,785; 9.9% girls), reveals that 39.4% of girls and 3.2% of boys in juvenile correctional facilities identified as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. These youth, particularly gay and bisexual boys, report higher rates of sexual victimization compared to their heterosexual peers. Sexual minority youth, defined as both lesbian, gay, and bisexual identified youth as well as youth who identified as straight and reported some same-sex attraction, were also 2-3 times more likely than heterosexual youth to report prior episodes of detention lasting a year or more. Implications for future research and public policy are discussed.

In 2013, the Violence Against Women Act became one of the first federal laws to explicitly prohibit discrimination against transgender people, yet little is known about its impact in practice. This qualitative study draws on in-depth interviews with transgender people working in domestic and sexual violence advocacy organizations. Building on critical and intersectional perspectives, the findings suggest that the persistence of inequities for trans survivors are tied to the reliance on criminal legal responses, contingent access to gender-specific services, compliance-focused approaches to inclusion, operating theories of gender-based violence, and the diversion of responsibility to LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) programs. This study highlights the participants’ recommendations for change.

Transgender women (“trans women”) are disproportionately impacted by HIV; yet there are few interventions tailored for trans women. This study employed qualitative methods to better understand how trans women's social networks and technology-based networking platforms may be leveraged in developing health promotion strategies for this high-priority population. Qualitative data from five focus groups (N = 39) revealed three key themes: (1) Social network structure and composition; (2) Technology use patterns; and (3) Accessing transgender health resources online. Participants used technology to establish affiliation with other trans women, build networks of support, and exchange health information and advice. Policymakers and practitioners can invest in the knowledge and expertise of trans women in using technology to organize health resources and support the development of peer-led, technology-based HIV prevention and care interventions.

In this article, the authors analyze cross-national variations in how the category of ‘juvenile’ is defined in criminal law and policy. The authors purposively selected the cases of Argentina, Belize, England/Wales, and Finland to maximize differences in the boundaries of the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility and the Age of Criminal Majority. Legal analysis identified two key factors: (a) the presence or absence of a distinct juvenile justice system, and (b) the stability (or fluctuation) of youth justice laws and age boundaries. These axes of difference and their various configurations across cases have broader implications for advancing children’s rights.

The present investigation was undertaken to determine the effects on the mother of having a child undergo heart surgery. Three groups of subjects were recruited and included mothers of infants undergoing heart surgery (Heart Surgery group), mothers of infants admitted on an emergency basis for nonsurgical/nonterminal illness (Inpatient Control), and mothers of infants visiting the pediatrician for well baby checks (Outpatient Control). Data were collected at three times: PRE, the day of admission; POST, the 7th day of admission or day of discharge (whichever came first); and FOLLOW-UP, 2 months after discharge. Relative to the other two groups, a differential attrition rate was evidenced in the Inpatient Control group and this finding is discussed. Given the attrition rate, analyses after PRE involved the Heart Surgery and Outpatient Control. Findings indicate that, relative to the Outpatient Control group, the Heart Surgery group reported greater distress at FOLLOW-UP than at any other time. The distress that was reported involved disruption in the family environment. Results of the analyses are discussed as consistent with posttraumatic stress theory.