The first of two general findings from this study is that correctional programs for female juveniles are limited in their number and diversity, particularly in vocational training and community-based programs for both noncustodial sentencing and postrelease follow-up. The second general finding is that those who work with female juveniles in correctional programs tend to view them as more "difficult" to work with than male juveniles due to their perceived emotional volatility, manipulation, and alienation from family. Further, intervention strategies, techniques, and programs that are effective with boys are viewed as less effective with girls. This paper suggests that program facilitators' view of girls as more "difficult" than boys stems from contemporary girls' behavioral and attitudinal departures from traditional sex-role stereotypes. In addition, there are empirically based differences between the coping behaviors of girls and boys, with girls tending to be more overtly emotionally reactive to problems and frustrations while boys tend to be more resigned, accepting, and withdrawn in coping with difficult situations. Correctional programs and their facilitators must identify and avoid imposing sex-role stereotypes on female juvenile offenders, increase and diversify vocational programming for girls, avoid paternalistic control, and use techniques tailored to the coping styles of girls. Further, female juvenile offenders should be part of the program development process in order to improve their relevance and effectiveness. 27 references