.
Search
Email this articleE-mail this story  Discuss this articleWrite letter to editor  Discuss this articleOrder a classified ad
Girls in trouble land in Arctic Tern

Paul Bickford
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 25/02) - In the NWT justice system, there is one particularly small minority -- female young offenders.

There are just 10 currently in custody at Inuvik's Arctic Tern female young offender facility, which serves all of the NWT.

Tthe $6.1 million facility, which opened in June, has a capacity of 14.

Facility manager Sharon Gairdner says there may be a perception that violent crime among teenage girls is increasing, but that perception is not based on fact.

"I think that is probably the impression people have," she says.

Only about 25 per cent of those in custody have committed assaults. While Gairdner notes the number of female young offenders in custody has gone up over the last decade, the increase is due to a rise in property offences, not violent crime.

The number of female young offenders seems to be relatively steady over the years, ranging from eight to 12 in custody at any one time.

The Inuvik facility is unique in Canada. It is strictly for female young offenders, aged 12-17, and is staffed only by females.

"We have a variety of programs that focus on rehabilitation and the re-integration of youth back into the community," Gairdner said.

They include an alcohol and drug program, anger management, counselling by a psychologist and a specialized case plan for each youth.