Girls, Empowerment, and Gender-Responsive Programs

Youth Justice — Week 11. Key concepts from the comprehensive notes.

Why can protective custody be problematic for girls?

Paternalistic efforts to control behaviour can criminalize vulnerability and restrict rights.

Why must girls’ victimization histories inform programming?

Many have experienced abuse or exploitation, so punishment alone does not address their needs.

What does gender-responsive programming emphasize?

Safety, empowerment, supportive relationships, appropriate assessment, and attention to oppressive social structures.

What are positive program directions for girls?

Female-centred environments, representative mentors and staff, education and work skills, and support for healing.

What criticism is made of a uniform individual-risk approach?

It can overlook how gender, culture, race, and class shape needs and institutional treatment.

Why recognize differences among girls?

Girls do not form a uniform group; effective supports must respond to their individual and intersecting circumstances.