Research Summary
Adolescence is a time of heightened psychological risk for girls. Biology, culture, psychology, and trauma leaves many girls vulnerable to periods of crisis and negative life experiences including juvenile justice involvement. More adolescent girls are arrested and incarcerated in the United States today than ever before. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of a million girls below the age of 18 were arrested by the police, accounting for approx 26% of total juvenile arrests.
Since 1993, the number of arrests among female adolescents has increased more for most offense types, in comparison with males. Most girls are still arrested for non-violent, often drug- related crimes, however, according to FBI Reports, the largest numbers of arrests among girls are for larceny (usually shoplifting) and running away.
Although female offenders are a diverse group, many are children of color, have had significant academic difficulties, have been victims of abuse (physical, sexual, and/or emotional), come from families living in poor and unstable communities, and are substance users. Many have a sexually transmitted disease or other chronic health condition. Females bring with them into the juvenile justice system complex health and mental health issues related to sexual behavior, substance abuse, trauma, and violence. In many cases, involvement in the juvenile justice system exacerbates the difficulties they face as adolescent girls.
YLOT’s goal is to call attention to the problems of girls and provide direction and support in order to help decrease their interest and participation in criminal pursuits. YLOT was founded in 1993 for the purpose of providing a platform where pre-adolescent girls can freely discuss their issues. But more importantly, YLOT provides an enriching forum for its program participants by introducing them to basic life skills, therapeutic recreation, and cultural activities.