DeLauro Introduces Bill to Improve Juvenile Justice System for Girls

Legislation Comes on Heels of Georgetown ReportCommending CT Reforms

WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) isintroducing legislation today that would encourage the juvenile justice systemto better respond to the unique problems facing young girls in the system. The Improvingthe Juvenile Justice System for Girls Act of 2013 creates a grant categorythat states could apply for to help support gender-specific programs for girlsin the justice system.

"The proportion of girls entering the justice system hasincreased steadily over the past several decades. Most of these girls, up to 73percent, have histories of physical and sexual violence, and their entry intothe justice system is often linked to their victimization. The trauma ofuntreated abuse has lifetime consequences for these girls, including pooreducational achievement, less stable work histories, substance abuse oraddiction and increased reliance on social services.

"Research shows that gender-responsive programming providingtrauma-informed care and trauma-specific services is the most effective meansof preventing juvenile offenses and reducing recidivism. I hope my colleaguestake up and pass this common-sense legislation to ensure troubled girls cangrow into successful women."

In October of last year, Georgetown Law Center citedConnecticut's reforms as a model for implementing successful gender-specificprograms in the juvenile justice system. Connecticut's reforms date back to2001 and have resulted in many of the girls in its system becoming productivecitizens.