The Girls Circle: A Randomized Evaluation of a Structured Support Group Program for Girls

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

Girls have had an increased presence in the juvenile justice system during the last 20 years, and some advocates contend that these girls require alternative programs to effectively address their specific risks, needs, and strengths because girls differ developmentally from boys. One of the most promising and widespread gender-specific intervention programs in use today is Girls Circle, developed by One Circle Foundation (formerly the Girls Circle Association). The overall purpose of this study was to conduct an impact evaluation of the Girls Circle model to increase knowledge of the effects of female-specific juvenile justice system programming. An equally important purpose was to conduct a process evaluation to assess the fidelity of program implementation. This panel describes the theory and activities of the Girls Circle program, reviews the results of both the outcome and process components of the evaluation, and discusses the policy and practice implications of the findings.

Sub Unit

• Area IX: Juvenile Crime and the Justice System / 59: Juvenile Justice Policies and Practices

Individual Presentations

• Defining the Girls Circle Program: Theory, Goals and Activities - Giovanna Taormina, One Circle Foundation; Stephen Gies, Development Services Group, Inc.; Marcia Cohen, Development Services Group, Inc.; Amanda Bobnis, Development Services Group, Inc.

• The Girls Circle: An Outcome Evaluation of Gender Specific Programming - Stephen Gies, Development Services Group, Inc.; Marcia Cohen, Development Services Group, Inc.; Amanda Bobnis, Development Services Group, Inc.; Giovanna Taormina, One Circle Foundation

• Implementing the Girls Circle Program in Chicago: Lessons Learned - Amanda Bobnis, Development Services Group, Inc.; Stephen Gies, Development Services Group, Inc.; Marcia Cohen, Development Services Group, Inc.; Giovanna Taormina, One Circle Foundation

• The Girls Circle Evaluation: Policy and Program Implications - Marcia Cohen, Development Services Group, Inc.; Stephen Gies, Development Services Group, Inc.; Amanda Bobnis, Development Services Group, Inc.; Giovanna Taormina, One Circle Foundation

Chair

• Marcia Cohen, Development Services Group, Inc.