Leaders in the fight for juvenile justice met Thursday morning to present new research about the experiences of girls in Florida's justice system.
Moderated by UF volleyball coach Mary Wise, the forum included presentations from top researchers, longtime volunteers and government representatives.
Wise opened the discussion with volleyball metaphors, telling the audience of about 50 people that they would be approaching their "common opponent" of injustice as a team.The primary focus of the forum was a lack of funding and a lack of fair enforcement in tackling gender-specific justice system issues.
"Too often, girls programs are boys programs painted pink, and they don't work," Wise said.
Lawanda Ravoira, a top researcher on girls in the Florida justice system, offered an overview of a study conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
She explained that certain challenges particular to girls, such as overcoming sexual abuse, coping with relationship problems and maintaining healthy self esteems, can lead them to need special counseling in the juvenile justice system.
Her research, based on a sample of 319 girls and 75 staff members, found that most girls involved with Florida's justice system get into trouble before the age of 15, and 39 percent are first arrested at age 12 or younger.
"These are children," Ravoira said.
In addition, her research found that often girls who are convicted of their first offenses find themselves in maximum risk facilities, which, she added, are akin to prisons.
"She may have one offense and end up in a maximum risk program," Ravoira said. "I ask you as citizens, if this were your daughter, would this be OK?"
Roy Miller, president of the Tallahassee-based Children's Campaign, Inc., an independent watchdog group, said underfunding is a key reason why gender-specific juvenile justice issues are not adequately addressed.
He urged the female-dominated audience to use its power as a key voting bloc to force politicians to make the issue a priority.
"The opportunities to serve girls in Florida is great, and the costs of not doing more are even greater," he said. "Florida needs a wake-up call."
If the audience were not already convinced, two young women shared stories of their troubled childhoods.
After their testimonies, listeners rose to their feet in recognition of the girls' struggles.
The young women told of childhoods filled with cocaine, sexual abuse, abandonment and teenage pregnancies.
Miller's group sponsored Thursday's forum, and has hosted similar events in Jacksonville, Orlando and Pensacola.
He said he felt Gainesville was an important stop to make because it is a pioneering community in the recognition of the special needs of girls.
"Gainesville is a thought leader in the state," he said.
