Alternative To Detention Now Includes African-American Girls
BALTIMORE (AP) -- A program meant to reduce the number of African-American boys in the juvenile justice system is being expanded to include girls.
Baltimore's Pre-Adjudicated Coordination and Training evening reporting center now serves boys and girls ranging in age from 14 to 18 who would otherwise be in secure juvenile confinement.
The expansion to include girls began last month. Officials say they expect to serve up to 60 girls annually.
The program collaborates with the teens and their families, to encourage the teens to address the underlying issues that lead to anti-social or deviant behavior. The expansion includes programming on issues that are common to girls in the juvenile justice system, including trauma, pregnancy and family relationships.
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