Girls in Jail

Abstract

Evidence drawn from a variety of sources is used to construct a profile of girls held in adult jails and lockups in the United States. The data indicate that girls are more likely than boys to be held in these facilities for status offenses and minor crimes. Girls are also likely to be younger than their male counterparts and, despite their less serious offenses, they may be held almost as long as boys. The conditions of girls' confinement, and the possible consequences of these situations, are then reviewed. Chief among these problems is isolation that may result in self-destructive behavior and the possibility of sexual assault by male staff.