Cancer Survivals

Before 1970, most children diagnosed with the disease were also killed by it. Today, nearly 80% are cured. But that cure comes at a price.

Teenage survivors are 50% more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety symptoms than their siblings. They were also 70% more likely to show antisocial behavior, such as problems getting along with their peers.

After long period being hospitalized battling against cancer they can finally go back to school. But that adjustment oftens leads to anxiety. It is an emotional roller coast to be in a social environment and try to make new friends after spending months isolated in a hospital.

There are also appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment such as loss of hair, side effects from medication, loss of weight or swelling that may lead the teen to have low self esteem, and to be socially isolated and less involved in peer groups.

Abuse Victims

The statistics are shocking: 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before the age of 18.

70-80% of sexual abuse survivors report excessive drug and alcohol use. Young girls who are sexually abused are 3 times more likely to develop psychiatric disorders or alcohol and drug abuse in adulthood than girls who are not sexually abused.

Sexual abuse leads to lost of trust, decreases in self esteem, development of shame, guilt and depression, more school problems than non-victims, leads to eating disorders, suicide, promiscuity/prostitution, more symptoms of PTSD, more sadness and other psycho-behavioral issues, difficulty in the transition to adulthood, more likely to suffer financial failure and physical injury, are at risk to fail in other areas due to problem behaviors and outcomes of the victimization and are more likely to experience major depressive disorder as adults.

Juvenile System

Despite falling crime rates, more adolescent girls are arrested and incarcerated in the United States today than ever before. Girls comprised 29% of all juvenile arrests, about 34% of arrests for Property Crime Index offenses, and less than 18% of arrests for Violent Crime Index offenses.

Juvenile System is not equipped to handle females. Many characteristics of the detention environment (seclusion, staff insensitivity, loss of privacy) can exacerbate negative feelings and feelings of loss of control among girls, resulting in suicide attempts and self-mutilation. The traditional methods of preserving order and asserting authority in these centers (especially “tough” physically confrontational approaches and the use of isolation and restraints) may backfire with female detainees who suffer from PTSD and that may result in re-traumatization and/or re-victimization.

Foster Care System

Youth in foster care are at high risk for an array of negative outcomes, including poor school performance, mental health problems, participation in health-risking sexual behaviors, involvement in the juvenile justice system, substance use, delinquency, homelessness, and serious educational problems.

These risks and costs may be especially pronounced for girls in foster care, who have often experienced high rates of sexual abuse and numerous parental transitions, and are at risk for associating with older antisocial males and having poor relationships with female peers.

Girls in the system demonstrate a variety of behavior problems that place them at high risk for multiple foster care placements, which can negatively impact upon their well-being and health.