At many points within the juvenile justice system, there is evidence of differential treatment of male and female juveniles. Nearly 75% of females under 18 who are arrested and incarcerated are charged with status offenses such as disobeying their parents, promiscuity, running away and other acts for which adults cannot be charged and boys infrequently are. Girls are often held in detention for longer periods of time and less frequently placed in community programs than boys. These and other examples of differential treatment are detailed in this report. The first part briefly describes how decisions are made in the juvenile justice system and summarizes studies which reveal the differential treatment of males and females, including results of a national survey of educational and vocational programs in state training schools. The second part provides a profile of the young female offender. The third part focuses on communities and what they can do to prevent girls from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system as well as assist those who have been referred to court. The fourth part, the resource section, offers information on publications and organizations. (Author)