Publications

Alexis Hale (middle), a JFG Youth Program & Training Specialist, serving as panelist at the Minority & Justice Commission’s annual Supreme Court Symposium entitled "A Legacy of Harm: Examining the Impacts of Our Sentencing Paradigm."

  • BY TRISTAN EDDY

    Abstract:

    In fiscal year 2025, Justice for Girls (JFG) partnered with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to strengthen gender-responsive and racially equitable practices across Juvenile Rehabilitation (JR) facilities. This work included staff training, youth stipends, and the implementation of GAIN (Girls Advocacy & Impact Network)—the only program specifically designed for girl-identified and nonbinary youth in the JR system. While other offerings include some gender-responsive elements, only GAIN was built to directly address the needs, identities, and leadership potential of these youth in both female JR facilities: Echo Glen and Ridgeview. 

    This report concludes with a tiered roadmap of recommendations, offering a phased approach for DCYF to build on current efforts and move toward a more equitable, youth-centered, and gender-responsive system of care.

    VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE.

  • BY SARAH CUSWORTH WALKER, ANN MUNO, AND CHERYL SULLIVAN-COLGLAZIER

    Abstract: There is currently widespread interest in gender-responsive programming within the juvenile justice system. The research literature currently provides critical information about the needs of girls and pathways into the justice system through epidemiology or program evaluation studies; however, the experience of practitioners implementing reforms is less represented. This perspective is essential given the nascent stage of research on gender-specific best practices and the widespread adoption of gender-specific principles. In this article, the authors review the policy and research literature relevant to the gender-responsive movement and present the results of their multistate study of how principles are being translated into practice, including how reforms are being initiated and sustained. They discuss these findings in light of their implications for practice and research.

    VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE.

  • Beyond Pink: A Call to Action was a one-day gathering of juvenile justice professionals to learn strategies for implementing effective care for justice-involved girls. The Justice for Girls Coalition of Washington state (JfG) hosted this first statewide training and advocacy event. The focus of the conference was to provide some grounding in research-based knowledge regarding girls' development, raise awareness of biases in the system, emphasize the importance of cross-continuum and cross agency work and have participants share their own promising practices with each other.

    VIEW THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING HERE.

  • Check out our guidebook for practitioners that offers practical strategies for working with girls along the continuum of the justice system. The guidebook addresses gender-responsive principles, trauma, talking about difficult issues and working in groups.

    Practitioner Guidebook

  • Oregon Coalition of Advocates for Equal Access for Girls - Link to purchase handbook HERE.

    Alliance for Girls - Oakland USD Report HERE.

    Education Law Center HERE.

    Southwest Key HERE

  • What is Our Why?

    Washington State Girls Group - Issue I, Volume I

    Justice for Girls Newsletter - Issue I, Volume II

News

  • On June 12th, 2024, the Minority & Justice Commission held its annual Supreme Court Symposium entitled "A Legacy of Harm: Examining the Impacts of Our Sentencing Paradigm." Alexis Hale, a JFG Youth Program & Training Specialist, served as a symposium panelist and shed light on the impacts of incarceration. 

    WATCH THE FULL SYMPOSIUM HERE (PANEL BEGINS AT 2:15:20).