In 1993, US law enforcement agencies arrested 570,100 female juveniles, most for status offenses. However, the number of females juveniles charged with violent crimes, property offenses and non-index offenses increased by 31 percent from 1989-1993. Factors contributing to the risk of delinquency for adolescent females include abuse/victimization, substance use/abuse, difficulty in school, and gang-related activities. The report describes characteristics of girls coming in contact with the juvenile justice system, prevalence rates of co-occurring disorders, competing paradigms and uncoordinated service systems, and what constitutes safety for girls. Those involved in collaborative efforts to treat and care for highly vulnerable adolescent girls with complex substance abuse, mental health and physical health needs must design developmentally sensitive, gender-specific programs; examine the characteristics of adolescent female offenders and delinquency within the context of "normative" female development; identify programs that apply strength-based approaches in screening, assessment and intervention for girls at risk; and identify early intervention, diversion and training that prevent decompensation, suicidal ideation and recidivism for girls. Notes, references