Nationally, girls continue to represent the fastest growing segment of the juvenile justice system.
In the youth services space, young women face unique challenges that are often inadequately addressed by lack of programming or not properly addressed through existing services. This oversight not only perpetuates cycles of disadvantage but also exacerbates the vulnerabilities of these young women.
This blog post delves into the specific issues leading young women into the youth care system, often different than those of boys, and examines the broader impacts of neglecting gender-responsive interventions.
Young women who have faced years of societal imbalances—such as gender-based discrimination, violence at home or in their communities, and systemic inequities—often struggle with confidence, self-worth, and the ability to advocate for themselves. In addition to the trauma they have faced, these imbalances create
vulnerabilities that make girls more susceptible to exploitation, unhealthy relationships, and cycles of hardship. Gender-specific programming is not just beneficial but essential in addressing these deep-seated challenges. Programs that rebuild confidence, teach self-advocacy, and provide tangible skills empower young women to reclaim their strength and autonomy. By offering mentorship, leadership development, trauma-informed care, and life skills training, these programs create a foundation for resilience and success. This helps young women rediscover their voice and recognize their worth. Access to these opportunities allows them to break free from the limitations imposed by society and find their way back to a healthy, fulfilling life.
Challenges Leading Girls into the Youth Care System
Young women entering the youth care system frequently grapple with a variety of adversities:
Histories of Abuse and Trauma: A significant number have endured physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Research indicates that 66.7% of young women in the custody of the California Youth Authority reported ongoing physical abuse, and 44.7% experienced sexual abuse. Such traumatic experiences often precipitate behaviors like running away, which can lead to deeper system involvement.
Teen Pregnancy: Young women in foster care are more than twice as likely to become pregnant by age 19 compared to their peers not in foster care. This heightened risk can perpetuate cycles of poverty and limit educational and employment opportunities.
Sex Trafficking Vulnerabilities: The instability associated with homelessness increases susceptibility to exploitation. One in five youth experiencing homelessness are also being trafficked, equating to 800,000 youth trafficked every year, highlighting a dire need for protective interventions and solutions to a problem plaguing many youths.
Access to Education: Limited access to quality education is a major contributing factor to young women’s involvement in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Educational barriers—such as exclusionary disciplinary practices, undiagnosed learning differences, and lack of supportive services disproportionately impact girls with histories of trauma and adversity. According to national data, youth who have experienced suspension or expulsion are nearly three times more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system, and girls of color face these school pushout practices at higher rates.
The Imperative Need for Gender Responsive Programming
Recognizing and addressing the distinct needs of young women in the youth care system is paramount:
Relational and Strength-Based Approaches: Gender-responsive programs emphasize the development of healthy relationships and self-concept, fostering resilience and empowerment. Such approaches cater to the developmental needs of female youth creating a space of psychological safety and an environment of comfort.
Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the prevalence of trauma among these young women requires programming that is sensitive to their experiences, promoting healing and reducing re-traumatization. Only trauma responsive models that address a youth’s lived experience, treat psychiatric conditions, and establish a sense of safety first can achieve lasting progress (Owen et al. 2017).
Holistic Support Systems: Effective programs engage and involve parents communities, services, and systems to address the full range of factors impacting a young woman’s development and well-being. By taking a comprehensive approach, holistic systems work to meet youth where they are, offering consistent support across all areas of their lives. Research shows that when young women receive coordinated care that includes mental health services, academic support, mentoring, and family engagement, they are more likely to achieve long-term stability and avoid further system involvement.
Tailored Mental Health Service: Studies show that up to 80% of girls in the juvenile justice system meet the criteria for at least one mental health disorder, with depression, anxiety, and PTSD being among the most common. In fact, girls in these systems are more than twice as likely as boys to experience trauma-related disorders, often stemming from histories of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This requires tailored mental health services that address these adverse childhood experiences and mental health disorders to give young women the chance to thrive.
Consequences of Inadequate Programming
The absence of tailored interventions has far-reaching implications:
Educational and Economic Disparities: System involved young women are less likely to attain higher education degrees and more likely to rely on public assistance, perpetuating cycles of economic disadvantage.
Mental Health Challenges: Without appropriate support, young women in the juvenile justice and child welfare systems face increased risks of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, hindering their overall well-being and development.
Continued System Involvement: A lack of supportive programming can lead to higher rates of recidivism and ongoing interactions with the justice system, as unmet needs manifest in behaviors that prompt further intervention.
Conclusion
Addressing the disproportionate effects of inadequate programming for young women in the youth care system is not merely a matter of equity but a societal imperative. By implementing gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and holistic interventions, we can empower these young women to overcome adversity and lead fulfilling lives. Such investments yield dividends in the form of healthier individuals and more robust communities.
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