Girls in the Justice System: Children and Young People Now
Serving a sentence of imprisonment or restriction of liberty is a huge stress and ordeal for everyone. Young girls and women in the justice system are victims of bias, disadvantage, and neglect because of their gender and age. It has a strong negative impact on people going through the stage of growing up. This research paper aims to analyze the impact of the correctional system on girls’ mental health, social skills, and ability to adapt to adult life.
Most girls who come into contact with the criminal system have a history of mental trauma associated with this period. To reduce the effects of their problems, they may use alcohol and drugs, with the attendant negative consequences. Many people with issues with criminality are also in care or below the poverty line (Southgate & Goodfellow, 2021). It increases the risk of this group of people breaking the law again. The transition from girlhood to adulthood could help eliminate the entrenchment of negative social tendencies for these young women. Research by the Young Women’s Justice Project shows the opposite situation (Southgate & Goodfellow, 2021). Most girls transitioning from the juvenile justice system to the adult justice system have problems adapting to society. It leaves them alone in difficult times, pushing them to re-offend.
This picture may look bleak at first glance, but the problems in this sector are solvable. Young women can lead happy, successful lives. To do this, the professionals in the juvenile system need to work with people and assist them in their transition from adolescence to adulthood. The state must provide this vulnerable group with the best possible means of re-adaptation: protection, psychotherapy sessions, and social housing (Southgate & Goodfellow, 2021). Voluntary organizations where people looking for help can turn and find this important support.
At the end of this research paper it should be noted that the negative impact of the correctional system on young girls remains a strong problem. They have many mental, financial and social problems that greatly increase the risk of reoffending. In the United States of America, however, everyone has the right to a happy life free of legal problems, and it is the duty of public services to ensure that these prospects are realised.
Reference
Southgate J., Goodfellow P. (2021). How justice system fails girls. Children and Young People Now. Web.