Publication year: 2011
Source: Children and Youth Services Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 24 August 2011
Bipasha, Biswas , Michael G., Vaughn
Despite numerous studies on the myriad of psychosocial factors that affect youthful offenders, research on gender differences with respect to risky sexual behavior are limited. Using data on juvenile offenders in a residential facility, we analyzed impact of gender on sexual behavior (N=227). Girls reported higher likelihood of diagnosis with sexually transmitted diseases, and injecting drug use including heroin and cocaine than boys. Multivariate analysis indicated that number of sexual partners, childhood trauma, and services received from emergency shelter and psychiatric settings were associated with risky sexual behavior. Discouraging, abusive and dysfunctional home environment with little support from parents/ caregivers,…
Highlights: ► We studied juvenile offenders in a residential facility. ► We explored gender based differences in key psychosocial and behavioral characteristics in this sample. ► Existing systems are not focused on gender differences because very little is known about offending girls and their needs. ► Girls have greater vulnerabilities and would most likely benefit from tailored interventions to address specific needs.