Are There Gender Differences in the Risk Factors for Delinquency? An Examination of Harris County, TX Juvenile Probationers

• In Event: Posters I

Abstract

While much research has focused on discovering risk factors for juvenile delinquency, very few studies have examined whether these risk factors are gendered. It is important to discover if there are different risk factors for male and female delinquency as this could help inform practices in the juvenile justice system. It could contribute to the creation of juvenile risk/needs assessments that are relevant for each gender and aid in the development of case planning and treatment programs that are tailored for girls and boys. The purpose of this study is to determine if there are gender differences in the risk factors for delinquency, focusing specifically on a sample from the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department. The results from this study could help improve gender specific policies and programs for both boys and girls.

Author

• Krista Gehring, University of Houston - Downtown