Educational Landscape for Incarcerated Girls With Disabilities in the United States, Norway, and Mexico

Abstract

Juvenile incarceration in the United States is declining; however, the rate of female youth incarceration is on the rise. Incarcerated female youth are more likely to have educational disabilities compared with female youth in public schools, as well as higher rates of mental health disorders and less consistent relationships with caregivers compared with incarcerated male youth. This article compares the characteristics of incarcerated female youth and the services available for incarcerated youth in the United States, Norway, and Mexico. Like the United States, Mexico is known for high rates of incarceration, whereas Norway is known for low rates of incarceration. All three countries have laws protecting the right of incarcerated youth to access education and mandating that juvenile facilities provide educational services. While this type of program is important, female offenders report that programs focused on close personal relationships were integral. Norway alone puts an emphasis on building positive relationships with facility staff and on involving community members in the programs for incarcerated youth. This may be a factor in Norway’s low incarceration rates and may how to help address the needs of incarcerated female youth in the United States and Mexico.