CONCLUSIONS: Negative health behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol use, drug use, risk sexual behavior) are seen at higher rates among delinquent children. Tobacco use among delinquent girls in Clark County Juvenile Detention Center (at 78%) was significantly higher than national averages of tobacco use for adolescent girls (18.4%, CDC 2006 National Tobacco Youth Survey). Alcohol use and marijuana use were reported by the girls in the Clark County Juvenile Detention Center are even higher rates (88% and 90% respectively). Over 91% of these girls reported being sexually active and 85% reported not having a regular form of birth control. Nearly half (44%) reported that they did not use a condom at their last sexual encounter and 37% self-reported having a sexually transmitted infection. These risk factors should be examined in more detail to understand their inter-relatedness.

Family dysfunction and histories of abuse were also reported at levels higher than expected for this delinquent population. The rate of running away (75%) was much higher than research conducted with other female delinquent populations (e.g., 44% in Lederman et al., 2004). Rates of sexual abuse were also higher than expected at 41% (compare it to 25% in Lederman et al.). 

Girls who were involved in commercial sexual exploitation showed significantly higher risk factors than girls not involved in prostitution within this population. They reported higher levels of sexual abuse, substance use, sexual activity, sexually transmitted infections, history of running away and mental health issues. With nearly one-third of the girls reporting commercial sexual exploitation, it is critical that programs address their elevated levels of risk.