Statement of Chairman Matthew G. Martinez on the Provision of Services to Girls and the Juvenile Justice System at a Hearing on the Re-Authorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 Before the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the U.S. House Committee on Education and

• NCJ Number: 136993
• Author(s): M G Martinez
• Date Published: 1992
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This statement by the chairman of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Human Resources at a hearing on the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act provides background information on the issue to be considered at the hearing: the provision of services to girls in the juvenile justice system.

Abstract

Although the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act has been instrumental in aid for the development of innovative and effective programs for juveniles, it has failed to address the special needs of female delinquents. Girls generally commit delinquent acts that are different from those of boys. Girls typically commit such status offenses as running away, antisocial behavior, and truancy. Because there are so few programs for girls who have become unmanageable by their parents or have been abused by their parents, the tendency of juvenile authorities is to place them in detention with a valid court order to protect them. Girls are generally kept in detention longer than boys. Juvenile justice programs designed to meet the specific needs of girls should be expanded under the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.