Girls with Emotional Disturbance and a History of Arrest: Characteristics and School-based Predictors of Arrest

Research suggests that girls receiving special education services for Emotional Disturbance (ED) may have unique characteristics and needs. Similarly, juvenile justice research has identified unique characteristics of court-involved girls. This study examined characteristics of girls with ED and a history of arrest. Additionally, classroom-based behavioral performance from elementary school was examined using logistic regression to identify whether or not early predictors of arrest could be identified. Results indicated that girls with ED and a history of arrest were suspended from school less often than boys with ED, but the rate of later arrest was equivalent. Comparisons between girls with ED and girls with ED and a history arrest indicated that low-income, urban, African-American girls with ED were more likely to be arrested. Lastly, girls with ED exhibiting elevated hyperactivity during elementary school were more likely to have a history of arrest by middle and high school.