Juvenile & Female offenders

 One challenge in dealing with female offenders is the issue of role of motherhood.  Majority of female offenders have family and this means that they are unable to cater for their children. The separation with families creates anxiety, grief, shame and stress and their functions compared with men are different (Covington, n.d). They continue to develop prosocial behaviors such as negativism, violation of rule, conflict with other women and other related problems which happens due to ‘resistance for survival’ (Covington, n.d). Research has also confirmed that children whose parents are imprisoned develop troubling behaviors such as depression and substance abuse and there is likelihood that they will become involved in criminal activities in future (Covington, n.d).

One of the challenges faced in juvenile criminal system is that young people suffer from mental health problems. Juvenile incarceration creates long-term problems in that they do not get correctional facilities and they get minimal services (National Research Council et al, 2001). On the same note, juvenile crime rate is high and this increases overcrowding. Secure detention is associated with negative effects as much as the well-being of the offenders is concerned. Hence, are no effective laws and practices to address juvenile cases and this is a challenge which need to be addressed (National Research Council et al, 2001).

To address the challenges faced when dealing with female offenders, gender-responsive interventions should address this issue by establishing program development, culture of treatment and more (Chesney-Lind, Morash & Stevens, 2008). The latter will change the lives women and help them live a meaningful life. The purpose of the program is to ensure healthy relationship and mutuality between offenders and correctional staff (Chesney-Lind, Morash & Stevens, 2008). The programs will also ensure social support and assist women in alleviating special disruptions. To address the challenges in juvenile criminal system, it is role of federal government to provide funding to the States and develop community-based alternatives to curb secure detention (National Research Council et al, 2001).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Chesney-Lind, M., Morash, M., & Stevens, T. (2008). Girls' troubles, girls' delinquency, and gender

responsive programming: a review. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 41(1),

162–189. Retrieved from Walden library using the Academic Search Complete database.

 

National Research Council et al (2001). Juvenile Crime, Juvenile Justice. National Academies Press

 

Covington S. Stephanie. N.D. A Woman’s Journey Home: Challenges for Female Offenders. Urban

Institute

Retrived from: http://stephaniecovington.com/assets/files/3.pdf