Report Addresses Gender Inequity in the Juvenile Justice System
October 14, 2015
Gender Injustice: System-Level Juvenile Justice Reforms for Girls, a report released by the National Crittenton Foundation, in partnership with the National Women's Law Center, presents research using OJJDP data showing that, in the last two decades, girls' share of the juvenile justice system has increased at all stages of the system. Key findings from the report show that between 1992 and 2013-
- Despite overall declining juvenile arrest rates, girls’ share of juvenile arrests has increased by 45 percent.
- Girls’ share of court caseloads has increased 40 percent.
- Girls’ share of the detention population has increased 40 percent.
- Girls’ share of the postadjudication probation population increased 44 percent and postadjudication placement population increased 42 percent.
The report makes nine reform recommendations, including decriminalizing girls' behavior linked to trauma, engaging families, addressing unnecessary detention of girls, and enacting trauma-informed approaches and evidence-informed practices.
Resources:
View and download the executive summary and a comprehensive infographic.
Learn about OJJDP's National Girls Initiative.
Learn more about OJJDP's research and programs regarding girls' delinquency.
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