Oregon Research Institute

The ProGirls Study

This study focuses on teen girls who have had contact with the juvenile justice system and may be engaged in other risk-taking behaviors. Smith and her team are interested in learning about these experiences and in developing programs that may be helpful to teenage girls and their families.

Details

Girls in the juvenile justice system have a high likelihood of participating in risk-taking behaviors. Researchers are developing, assessing, and implementing a family-centered prevention program aimed at decreasing girls’ involvement in risk-taking behaviors and improving their adjustment at home, school, and in the community. The program includes one-on-one mentoring and skill building for girls, and a group-based training and support program for parents.