Girls Will be Girls: Gender Differences in Predictors of Success for Diverted Youth With Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders

Data on 2,303 youth participating in the New York State Mental Health/Juvenile Justice Diversion Program were used to explore differences between girls & boys on factors commonly associated with recidivism & out-of-community placement. 4% of the sample had attempted suicide at least once (6.8% females, 3.6% males). Suicide attempts were significantly related to out-of-community placement for boys. Suicide attempts were not a predictor of recidivism for boys or girls. Results indicate the necessity of conducting studies of girls & women that are grounded in female-specific theories & collecting information through gender-sensitive methodologies. (40 refs.)