Data were collected from three separate studies at a correctional facility over a 5-year period. Female juvenile delinquents included in the studies received both evaluation and treatment services throughout their incarceration period. Three research questions were explored to help professionals in correctional education understand the communication behaviors of female juvenile delinquents and help them plan programs for adjudicated youth: (1) how structural and pragmatic language skills of female juvenile delinquents differ from those of nondelinquents on a standardized language measure and an informal language sample; (2) whether female juvenile delinquents are aware of pragmatic practices governing conversational interactions; and (3) what communication patterns emerge from extended observations of female juvenile delinquents. More delinquents than nondelinquents were found to be struggling with language and communication problems. As many as 14 percent of delinquents and no nondelinquents were potential candidates for language intervention services. Despite what study participants knew about conversational practices, they could not apply that information to on-going conversational interactions. Motivating factors in communication patterns among delinquents seemed to relate to their communication styles. Implications of the findings for professionals to consider as they develop services for young people involved in violence are discussed. 9 references