Girls Troubles, Girls' Delinquency, and Gender Responsive Programming: A Review

Abstract

T his article begins with a consideration of the interconnected troubles and needs that research has documented for girls who become enmeshed in the juvenile justice system. Special attention is given to findings from research that gives girls in the system some 'voice' in explaining what services and programs they need and want. After offering some explanation of the gap in programs and services for girls, the article notes the failure of evaluation results to shed light on effective program models, and thus the importance of available documentation on programs as a guide for developing effective, gender responsive programs for girls. Available documentation is analysed, with particular attention to the fit of girls' assessed and expressed needs to the descriptive material on programs.Female delinquents, once dubbed the 'forgotten few' in juvenile justice (Bergsmann, 1989), are now entering that system in increasing numbers. Girls accounted for nearly a third (30.5%) of juvenile arrests in 2004 (FBI, 2005, p. 285). Two decades earlier, girls accounted for only about one fifth of juvenile arrests (Sarri, 1987, p. 181). This represents a 42.5% increase in girls' share of juvenile arrests.Parallel increases have also being seen in girls' referrals to the nation's juvenile courts. Between 1985 and 2002, the number of girls coming into the US juvenile courts increased by 92%, compared to a 29% increase for males (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006). The increase is partly a function of girls being arrested and referred to court for nontraditional offences. 'For females, the largest 1985-2002 increase was in person offence cases (202%)'. Referrals of girls for 'simple assault' increased by 238%, and female referrals for 'other person offences' increased by 322% (the comparable male increases were 152% and 111%) (Snyder & Sickmund, 2006, p. 160). Gendered shifts were also seen for drug offences (171% among girls versus a 156% increase in boys' referrals) and property crimes; the male property caseload decreased 19% and the female property caseload increased 27%. Given

A Comparison of Female Delinquents: The Impact of Child Maltreatment Histories on Risk and Need Characteristics among a Missouri Sample

“…However, studies also show that delinquents often do not receive the care they need in residential and community settings [55]. One possibility, beyond the scope of our study, is that young women may be particularly underserved if treatment centers lack beds or program slots for girls and young women, a phenomenon evident in juvenile detention, which has historically been tailored to serve males [56]. In these settings, gender differences may be overlooked delinquent girls may have few intervention programs available [57].…”

An Assessment of Adolescent Pregnancy and Social Risk Factors: Evidence from Agencies and Organizations in the Juvenile Justice System

“…Due to behavior issues that are commonly associated with teenage mothers, "conclusions can be drawn regarding the risk factors associated with teenage pregnancy, the link between teenage pregnancy and delinquency, and the characteristics of those most likely to become teenage parents" (Buffkin & Luttrell, 2010). Chesney-Lind et al (2008) found that many of the teen mothers in the detention centers felt that they did not receive the essential tools that are needed to be better parents and productive citizens upon being released.…”

“…Prior to enactment of the 1996 legislation, the majority of young mothers who went on welfare stayed on the rolls for at least two years with many reaming much longer" (Miranne & Young, 2002). Not only does teenage mothers presence affect legislation and welfare reform, but on the front end the lack of education leads to continuous welfare recipients, this is where the board of education becomes an affected agency because of truancy from absenteeism and truancy trickles down into the juvenile justice system, where there is a lack of case studies and support groups that offer the essential tools for growth into productivity as adults (Liefeld & Solomon, 1998;Miranne & Young, 2000;Chesney-Lind et al, 2008).…”

“…This study explains the need for support groups and proper guidance will assist in alleviating some of the issues of truancy among teen mothers. As a result to delinquency and behavior issues, Chesney-Lind, Morash and Stevens (2008) explained the connection between girls in the juvenile justice system and the essential tools that are needed to better the programs that are currently being utilized. This study collected data from several female juvenile delinquent centers in the United States.…”

“…Many teenage mothers are labeled delinquent by committing truancy, running away and the act of out of wedlock pregnancy. "Girls are less likely than their male counterparts to engage in offenses, which include running away, underage drinking, truancy, and curfew violations, continue to be key factor in female delinquency" (Chesney-Lind et al, 2008). This research will attempt to provide a foundation of how teen pregnancy is a social issue that effects' the nation on many social levels which then effect different institutionalized organizations such as: detention centers, education, health and legislation.…”