Blueprint for the Future
The Girls Health & Justice Institute has developed an in-person and web-based training program for everyone involved in assessing, treating, and following girls and boys who enter the juvenile justice system. The BluePrint for the Future of Girls in the Juvenile Justice System© is a series of modules which provide information, research and hands-on guidance on girls in the juvenile justice and foster care systems, and on best practices for gender-responsive services.
Each of the 60-90 minute modules can be delivered independently, or in relevant constellations of modules. It would take a day and a half to view and absorb all of the available modules.
Our Blueprint for the Future© training is recommended for all correctional, legal, judicial, law enforcement, health, mental health, substance abuse, educational administrators and other staff involved in the juvenile justice system, including the growing number of organizations now adopting the Girls Health Screen©.
Below is a listing of the 60-90 minute training modules and a short description of what each training covers.
Trends in Girls in the Juvenile Justice System.
Why are more girls entering the juvenile justice system? Presents the history and research trends describing girls’ pathways into the juvenile justice system and how economic, cultural social and law enforcement practices have contributed to the criminalization of girls.
A Closer Look at Girls in the Juvenile Justice and Foster Care systems.
Who are the girls in the Juvenile Justice and foster care systems? Provides an in-depth description of the characteristics and needs of girls in the Juvenile Justice and foster care systems.
Trauma & Substance Abuse.
How do girls experience trauma; and what are their mental health and substance abuse treatment needs? Provides data and information on girls’ experience of trauma, how it differs from trauma experienced by boys, and best practice models for providing trauma-informed and trauma-specific mental health and substance abuse services for girls in the juvenile justice and foster care systems.
Gender-responsive Screening, Assessment, Treatment.
What are the health, reproductive and mental health needs of girls? Offers data and information (including current medical data) on the physical health and reproductive needs of girls; and best practices for identifying and treating these health concerns. This module will provide gender-responsive screening and assessment instruments and procedures, including the Girls Health Screen and Girls Health Passport, for use in secure facilities or in community programs.
Continuity of Care.
How should States and Counties build seamless and comprehensive medical care for girls returning to their communities? Presents methods for after-care planning for girls, their children and families, including accessing health, mental health, substance abuse, and parenting services in the community. This module will also include facilitating enrollment of detained girls in affordable health coverage (Medi-Cal and other insurers) before they are released, and making sure that girls connect with medical homes as soon as they re-enter their communities.