NCJ Number
242649
Date Published
2013
Length
88 pages
Annotation
This practice guide emphasizes that efforts to reduce the inappropriate detention of low-risk girls must be based in the core strategies of the Annie E Casey Foundation's Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI), but with an added focus on applying these strategies to girls' distinctive needs and circumstances.
Abstract
The guide begins with an overview of the challenges facing local juvenile justice systems in efforts to improve their strategies in treating girls in the detention process. The chapter summarizes available information on the characteristics of girls in detention, the disparities in the system's treatment of girls compared to boys, and the harm caused by an over-reliance on detention for girls. The chapter highlights several prevalent causes for this over-reliance on detention for girls; and it summarizes key lessons from research on what can be achieved through efforts to improve the treatment of girls in the detention process. Chapter 2 describes the organizational steps necessary for JDAI jurisdictions to develop a gender work group at the local level that will begin the process of analyzing current practices toward girls in detention. Guidance is provided on creating a work plan for improving the detention process for girls. It explains how the efforts of the girls work group will be based in the JDAI core strategies. Chapter 3 details the steps for conducting in-depth, gender-focused data analyses that will identify the nature and extent of disparities in the jurisdiction's treatment of girls. Chapter 4 explains how jurisdictions should put the information developed from their gender-focused analysis to practical use. JDAI core strategies and best-practices research are used in recommending effective, gender-responsive practice for girls. In addition to these chapters, the guide contains a variety of practical tools and templates in the appendixes. 41 notes