risky sexual behavior differentiated the detained versus non-detained girl
probationers. Similarly, academic failure and truancy were significant predictors
for boys’ detention. However, offense severity (felony arrests) and offense type
(property and status) were also strong predictors. Histories of physical violence,
conduct problems, and overall drug use (methamphetamine or marijuana) also
differentiated detained male probationers from their non-detained counterparts.
When looking at the social, academic, drug, and offense backgrounds
between boy and girl detainees, several important differences emerged. Girls
have significantly less serious offense histories, more history with exposure to
domestic violence, abuse, depression, suicide, methamphetamine use, and
recorded risky sexual behavior. Boys had more marijuana use, ADD diagnoses,
and histories of using violence. They also had more serious offense records.
This paper concludes with two qualitative case stories that illustrate the gender
differences underscored in the juvenile detainee population.
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