Because female delinquents are outnumbered by boys in the juvenile justice system, and because girl offenders may seem less dangerous to society, the needs of girls have gone largely unaddressed. However, more girls are entering the system. Some are committing more violent offenses, such as assault. By focusing specifically on girls, researchers are gaining a better understanding of female adolescent development and the factors that put girls at risk of delinquency. Gender-specific programming offers a way to tailor juvenile justice services specifically to the needs of girls.

Guiding Principles for Promising Female Programming	October 1998