Assessing the Status of Gender-Specific Programs through the Lens of Juvenile Justice Staff |
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Authors: | Jessica P. Hodge Kristi Holsinger Kristen Maziarka |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, USAjhodge@stthomas.edu;3. Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, University of Missouri, Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA |
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Abstract: | The gender-specific approach for working with offenders gained momentum during the 1990s and has since been largely accepted by academics and practitioners. Despite numerous studies demonstrating a need for gender-responsive programs and policies within both adult and juvenile correctional systems, scant research has explored whether these services are meeting the intended goals. The current study addresses this through a qualitative analysis of 1 county juvenile court using in-depth interviews with staff. Findings reveal that in spite of the court's efforts to incorporate a gender-responsive approach, much work still remains regarding training staff and meeting girls' needs. Staff identified critical gaps in services and continued to perpetuate gendered norms and stereotypes. Included is a discussion as to why it has been difficult to effectively implement gender-specific programs. |
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Keywords: | gender-specific program juvenile justice system girls staff perspectives |
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