Assessment of special needs of adolescent girls in educational treatment programs

This study examines the gender specific needs of adolescent female offenders in treatment programs. The population sampled consisted of boys and girls in school based day or residential programs operated by the Associated Marine Institute Inc. Focus groups were conducted to gain insight into the specific needs of the adolescents in the programs. From the focus group interviews emerged a self-report survey designed to examine the needs of adolescent offenders. The survey consisted of sixty-eight questions that were organized into seven categories, to examine the differences in the reported responses of boys and girls. The seven categories identified were education/vocational needs, personal safety, sexual practices, alcohol and drugs, anger and depression, religious and spiritual needs, and interpersonal relationships and support systems. Data collected revealed significant reported differences in several categories. Findings indicated that girls reported they run-away from home significantly more than boys, and experience more sexual and physical victimization. In contrast, boys reported significant differences in drinking and drug use than the patterns of behavior reported by girls. Both sexes reported having problems with anger although girls reported the problem in higher percentages than boys. Girls expressed more interest in anger management classes and counseling. This study identifies some significant differences in patterns of behavior reported by boys and girls in the AMI programs. The findings support the need for a gender specific treatment approach in juvenile justice.