Getting the Facts Straight About Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

To fulfill one part of its mission, the Center for Girls and Young Women will present the public with an accurate account of girls in the juvenile justice system. Misconceptions abound regarding girls that are detained and incarcerated. Meaningful change is needed at the national, state, and local levels to prevent and respond appropriately to girls’ delinquency.This fact sheet highlights gender-specific issues regarding offense type and severity, age, placement, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other underlying factors that impact girls’ delinquency.

To fulfill one part of its mission, the Center for Girls and Young Women will present the public with an accurate account of girls in the juvenile justice system. Misconceptions abound regarding girls that are detained and incarcerated. Meaningful change is needed at the national, state, and local levels to prevent and respond appropriately to girls’ delinquency.This fact sheet highlights gender-specific issues regarding offense type and severity, age, placement, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other underlying factors that impact girls’ delinquency.