Using data collected on 2000 male and female youths entering the Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center, we examined the differential health service needs they present, and compared them on a wide range of variables, including socio-demographic characteristics, records of contact with the juvenile court, physical or sexual victimization history, alcohol/other drug use, and psychosocial functioning problems. Consistent with previous research, male youths were found to be more involved in delinquent activities and substance use, whereas female youths had higher rates of abuse referrals and potential psychosocial functioning difficulties. Implications are drawn for understanding male and female youths’ involvement in the juvenile justice system, and for the development of, and linkage with, appropriate services.
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