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The Forgotten Few? ... You Could Have Heard A Pin Drop

St. Lucie , Fla. (Nov. 28, 2007) – Have you ever heard the saying, “You could have heard a pin drop?”

This was the case when two girls involved in the juvenile justice system shared their life stories in a large room filled with attendees at the Justice for Girls: Rallying Cry for Change Community Briefing.

“I just think that when I was found doing drugs, all kinds of drugs, that somebody could have and should have done something when I was caught,” she said. “I was 11, 12, 13 years old, I did things that I am so ashamed of, and at 14 I finally got help, I am 15 now.”

Help came when she was found foaming at the mouth by a police officer and was placed in VisionQuest, a juvenile justice residential program for girls. She thanked them from the bottom of her heart, for the life and the future that she believes she wouldn’t have had without their help.

Her final words to the audience were, “…when you find a girl doing drugs like I was, do something! I wasn’t going to do it on my own.”

The room was silent; they heard the truth as conveyed by a very courageous girl. Intervening sooner could have changed years of this girl’s adolescence, which poses the question: How were we to know and what could have been done?

Three leading advocates for children in the Treasure Coast spoke with the audience about their concerns and support for girls. Evett Simmons, moderator for the event, and former President of the National Bar Association reflected upon the impact of the major research study entitled Justice by Gender released in 2000. The report, co-released with the American Bar Association, highlighted needs of girls and the inequities that permeate the justice system.

Florida Representative Gayle Harrell (R-81) and St. Lucie County School Board Member Katherine Hensley expressed the need to meet the unique differences of girls throughout the community, to work preventatively and to support gender specific programming.

As a result of the study, Simmons got involved in advocacy for girls in the justice system, serving as a Board Member of the local PACE Center for Girls and working directly with the girls. Experience convinced her that the one-size-fits all juvenile justice programs are not the answer to protecting public safety, or addressing the serious needs of our girls.

Simmons said, “Too often girls’ programs are simply boys’ programs painted pink. And we know first hand that these programs, by and large, don’t work. Nationally and in Florida, the juvenile justice system is ill-equipped to deal with the influx of girls in the system, and this lack of preparedness can result in more harm and further victimization for girls whose lives are already scarred by years of abuse and trauma.”

Agencies throughout the state, Simmons reported, are struggling to care for girls-and boys-in Florida’s juvenile justice system: beds by providers have been turned in to the State due to inability to provide services at the rates the State is willing to pay. Turnover of direct care staff has reached 55% annually. Research and experience tells us that we can help get kids back on track - if the juvenile justice system works the way it should - the way we know it can. She encouraged local citizens to speak out on behalf of our girls and young women and be part of setting a new direction for the State of Florida’s Juvenile Justice System.

The largest national research study ever completed in Florida on justice-involved girls was reviewed by Dr. LaWanda Ravoira, a national leader in girls advocacy. The study and its findings address the question; How were we to know, what could have been done? The study Rallying Cry For Change reveals the “pathways” for girls into the juvenile justice system. The major findings provide a wealth of information: systemic factors impacting girls, commonalities and pathways of risk factors, essential set of services, gaps in services. Some of the systemic factors were: 39% of girls are arrested at age 12 or younger, 73% of girls are in moderate risk, and 33% of girls who were in their first DJJ commitment placement were in high risk programs. Also determined, was that girls who have experienced out-of-home settings such as foster care are likely to be placed deeper in the system. Common factors among committed girls were: 79% had emotional/mental health issues, 70% had family conflict or a history of family problems, and 46% had substance abuse/addiction problems. Other risk factors include: school inadequacy, trauma and victimization, intergenerational incarceration, and critical health issues.

In reference to the question of what could have been done, Ravoira referenced an essential set of services that are critical to meet the needs of girls in the juvenile justice system. These services include: specialized mental health services, specialized medical services, substance abuse treatment, family-focused services, non-traditional educational and vocational services, and transitional placement services for girls. These services are recommended in order to provide immediate critical needs, short-term needs as well as strategic long-term services.

Ravoira spoke out for a better understanding of the research as it relates to the pathways into the juvenile justice system. She reviewed an essential set of services for girls needed in the juvenile justice system, that could meet the goals of appropriate placements and services, safe and healthy environments, and reduced re-offending as a result.

As was shared by the two girls that spoke at the Justice for Girls: Rallying Cry for Change, they may be down, but they are not out. Possibly the loudest voice in the study came directly from the girls about who they really are, and what they value: 75% described themselves as having a strong positive personality, 68% wanted to continue education after high school, and 84% articulated long-term goals for their future. They are children trying to find their way, and we as adults know the pathways.

Jason Welty, the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs, highlighted the change in the administration and the department’s new mission statement of being child-focused while still emphasizing public safety. He shared that girls now represent 1 of 3 youth arrested and 1 of every 5 that are incarcerated in residential programs. While the crime rate in the state is dropping, admission of girls into the juvenile justice system increased by 10%, while admission for boys decreased by 12%. The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is making girls a priority through their Fiscal 08-09 DJJ Legislative Budget Request, with the top priority being the $2.6 million earmarked for gender-specific services which includes the Girls Advocacy Project (GAP) expansion. Welty concluded by reviewing the work of the Blueprint Commission; twenty-five citizens tasked to address reforms in the juvenile justice system, that has been embraced by the Governor and the DJJ Secretary.

The Blueprint, as envisioned by the Children’s Campaign, Inc., in collaboration with the Florida Juvenile Justice Association and the Florida Network of Youth & Family Services, was funded by state and national philanthropic organizations: the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, Eckerd Family Foundation, and JEHT Foundation.

This event was sponsored by Ruden McClosky, the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County, PACE Center for Girls Treasure Coast, The Florida Bar Foundation, Jessie Ball DuPont Fund, and Children’s Campaign, Inc. in partnership with the Circuit 19 Juvenile Justice Board, the Executive Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Inc., SandyPines, and VisionQuest.

Roy Miller, President and founder of Children’s Campaign, Inc. stated that the groups that put together this event are looking for effective action. “Florida has a responsibility to our girls, our future, and the voters to hear what the research is telling us and to make the strategic systemic changes that will impact girls’ lives and our state.” Commending the Treasure Coast community for their collaboration and commitment to children, Miller said, “It is time for all of Florida to advocate for and support girls.”