New national resource for girl offenders

New national resource for girl offenders

Girls are increasingly becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. During my tenure as Executive Director of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, members of the dedicated research staff explored the risk factors for girls interactions with juvenile justice officials. https://www.icjia.state.il.us/public/pdf/ResearchReports/Examining%20at-risk%20and%20delinquent%20girls%20in%20Illinois.pdf

Recognizing the need for special services for these girls, in 2010, the United States Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention established the National Girls Institute. The Institute, which is supported by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, aims to develop and provide training, technical assistance and resources to organizations which serve girls both in or at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Just this week, the National Girls Institute started a website to educate professionals and the public that will provide research, technical assistance as well as publicize best practices for girls at risk. Although the website does not appear to be fully populated, this initiative, as well as the website, will provide resources for this previously under-served population. The website may be found at www.nationalgirlsinstitute.org.

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