Presented by: Franklin Ard, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Presented at: 4th International Conference on Conflict Resolution Education
Date of Session: June 11, 2011

Session Description: The results of a group program designed to present awareness of bullying and violence prevention practices to female juvenile offenders will be shared. The program considers challenges facing participants: prior experiences of violence; adult modeling of violence; family distress and fragmentation; poverty; academic challenges; gender issues; and community violence. Early observations find that despite multiple risk factors, girls in the juvenile justice system are resilient, creative, and learn to survive. Through engaged, appropriate adult involvement and modeling, juvenile offenders can develop a framework where bullying behaviors and violence are not the only choice.