An analysis of the criminogenic contingencies facilitating offending in female juveniles

Abstract

Female juvenile offending is on the increase, suggesting that this area of crime needs to be examined in detail as not many studies have focused on females when compared to males. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the criminogenic contingencies that may facilitate female juvenile offending by exploring risk and protective factors and offences committed. In order to understand better the phenomenon of female juvenile offending, a qualitative approach was utilised. The researcher made use of a case study that could shed light on the topic of interest, and interviews were conducted with professionals who were familiar with the lives of female juvenile offenders. The findings suggested that the most common offences committed by female juvenile offenders include prostitution, substance abuse, and theft, as well as offences related to violence and aggression that are also becoming more common. The researcher found that the family plays a significant role in the risk of female juvenile offending for various reasons, including family dysfunction, poor parenting, abuse and maltreatment, and family crime and psychopathology. Social expectations and stereotypes also appear to play a role in this risk. Mental health was found to be a common factor among female juvenile offenders; however, the link between mental health and offending is not necessarily a direct one. The researcher was not successful in analysing biological risks of female juvenile offending as the nature aspect proved to be negligible. Finally, this study found that a prominent protective factor for female juveniles is the support within one’s family and community. Individual characteristics also prove to play a role in possibly preventing female juveniles from offending.