What differences regarding female institutions are addressed in the text? Discuss the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association's recommendations of changes regarding female juveniles in institutions. Explain your view of the recommended changes. What additional changes do you believe should be considered, why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Staff members often are not adequately trained to understand and address the unique needs of this population.
• Girls' institutions tend to be smaller than boys' institutions and lack the resources to offer as many programs and services as do the larger male institutions.
• There are fewer staff, older facilities, and poorer educational and recreational programs than those found in boys' institutions.
• To help address these and other problems facing female juveniles in institutions, the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association recommend a number of important changes, including these:
• Identify, promote, and support effective gender-specific, developmentally sound, culturally sensitive practices with girls.
• Promote an integrated system of care for at-risk and delinquent girls and their families based on their competencies and needs.
• Assess the adequacy of services to meet the needs of at-risk or delinquent girls and address gaps in service.
• Collect and review state and local practices to assess the gender impact of decision making and system structure.
• Student responses will vary.