This report presents results and recommendations from "listening sessions" across the Nation that solicited information on the needs of State, Tribal, and local entities regarding their services to girls and their families.
The "listening sessions" were conducted by the National Girls Institute (NGI), whose purpose is to provide training and technical assistance for prevention, intervention, treatment, and aftercare programs for at-risk and delinquent girls across the Nation. NGI also disseminates information; collaborates with researchers and program developers; forms partnerships with Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies; and develops policy. In addition to presenting the results of the "listening sessions," this report contains recommendations for NGI, the Federal Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), and the field. The National Council on Crime and Delinquency's (NCCD's) partnership with OJJDP is a critical next step in expanding and strengthening work for girls within States and local jurisdictions, along with private organizations. The results and recommendations from the "listening sessions" pertain to communication, peer learning, gender responsiveness, a non-judgmental approach to girls and families, a multi-system approach, and individual and universal needs. Other topics addressed are technology and social networking, within-girl differences, balanced recognition of past with future orientation, and examination of policies and practices that impact girls. One of the clearest and foundational results of the "listening sessions" is the importance of including key stakeholder groups in developing specialized training protocols, sharing information and relevant resources on the NGI Web site, and guiding the recruitment of advisory board members with relevant expertise on serving girls and their families. Appended questions by stakeholders to NGI