Between 1990 and 1999, arrests of girls increased more than male arrests for curfew and loitering, drug abuse and assault. The report suggested that the surge in young female delinquents isn't necessarily the result of more violent and aggressive behavior among girls. Rather, the report blamed the problem on a relabeling of family conflicts as violent offenses, changes in police practice regarding domestic violence, gender bias in the processing of minor offenses, get-tough policies for curfew violators and a lack of services aimed at helping troubled girls. The report attributed the disparity to bias on the part of police, prosecutors, judges and public agencies that handle runaway cases. Girls are detained for less serious offenses than boys and are more likely to be detained for minor offenses, such as public disorder, probation violations and traffic offenses.
Girls are more likely to be sent back to detention after release.
The ABA recommended that communities develop alternatives to detention and incarceration for girls and revamp policies that send girls into juvenile justice facilities for minor offenses. Something to celebrate.