The 22 women had been poor all their lives. Nine had entered residential care before the age of 11. Eight of the other 13 had committed status offenses, 2 had been placed in care due to family circumstances, and 3 had committed criminal offenses. Most had experienced several moves of residence while in care. The distinguishing feature of the lives of all 22 was the refusal to stay within oppressive families, schools, and institutions. As young teenagers, they had also strongly resented the restrictions resulting from poverty, family, school, and gender ideologies. They also claimed that their minor early misbehaviors would not have escalated into criminal careers if they had not been in care. They lacked adequate preparation for noninstitutional living, loneliness, homelessness, and poverty. As a result, many began to view crime as a source of benefit. Their experience demonstrates the sources and patterns of movement from care to custody. Transcripts of discussions and notes