NCJ Number
241474
Date Published
August 2012
Length
10 pages
Annotation
After reviewing research on girls in the juvenile justice system, this paper suggests best practices and strategies for defense counsel in representing girls in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The research review addresses findings regarding the percentages of girls in the juvenile justice system, their racial percentages, their sexual orientation, and offense types. Research on risk factors and obstacles faced by girls in the juvenile justice system focuses on childhood abuse, physical health, mental health disorders, family relationship, peer and romantic relationships, education and school maladjustment, neighborhoods, and early puberty. Regarding legal representation of girls in the juvenile justice system, the paper advises that although girls have needs, histories, and health issues that distinguish them from boy offenders, each girl has personal characteristics that determine defense strategy, including race, culture, socioeconomic status, and other distinctive characteristics. Advice to defense counsel in representing girls in a juvenile justice forum address interviews/communication, referrals and charging decisions, detention, disposition and commitment to a youth development center, and post-disposition. 84 notes