NCJ Number
225256
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2008 Pages: 494-502
Date Published
November 2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article examines programming for girls involved in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
This article links five elements and available research and theory on working effectively with girls to discuss impediments to the development of effective girls’ programming and provides recommendations for program elements deemed essential to promoting the positive growth of delinquent girls. The findings suggest that five elements are essential to working with girls regardless of the context (community-based, institutional) or level of intervention (prevention, intervention). These strategies include using a comprehensive and individualized assessment process, building a helping alliance, using a gender responsive cognitive-behavioral approach, promoting healthy connections, and recognizing within-girl differences. The results provide ample theoretical and conceptual basis to begin developing substantive programs that meet the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system and simple concrete ways to transfer this knowledge into practice. None of the recommended elements require a significant investment of financial resources; rather they require a significant investment of human resources, and a commitment to developing programs with gender in mind. This research relied on a literature review for its data. Notes, references