NCJ Number
191766
Journal
Law Enforcement Quarterly Volume: 30 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2001 Pages: 20-25
Date Published
2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examines the prevalence and patterns of female juvenile delinquency in San Diego, California.
Abstract
According to last year's (2000) annual report, "Crime in the San Diego Region," arrests of teen males declined 18 percent from 1980 to 1999, but arrests of females under 18 years old increased 8 percent. Twenty-four percent of all juveniles arrested in 1999 were females, compared to 19 percent in 1980; and young females who committed violence increased from 9 percent to 17 percent of all juveniles during the same period. Young women arrested for violating drug laws increased 38 percent, from 253 to 350. For the same period, arrests of males for the same offense declined 4 percent. The report noted that the arrest figures for San Diego County paralleled those of the Nation regarding changes in the numbers of females arrested. According to those who work with female juvenile delinquents, coping skills are nonexistent, and the family environment is non-supportive and abusive. The reaction of the girls is often to strike out or to escape by running away. More and more girls are also affiliating with boys' gangs and imitating their morals and behavior. Analyses of female delinquency advise that it is critically important to detect family abuse early and intervene to prevent long-term negative repercussions. Compared to boys, girls tend to respond to abuse more internally and personally because of their dependence on relationships. This often means their adverse reactions are more intense. A program in San Diego County that is attempting to address female delinquency is named "WINGS." Among its objectives is the effort to introduce successful role models to girls in the program, so they can observe and experience healthy relationships that foster constructive attitudes and behaviors.