What Works for Female Children and Adolescents: Lessons from Experimental Evaluations of Programs and Interventions. Fact Sheet. Publication #2012-23.

Abstract

OVERVIEW Girls face unique developmental challenges in childhood and adolescence. Compared to boys, girls tend to report more mental health problems 1 , and they are susceptible to reproductive health risks, such as unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease 2 . While a number of evidence-based programs have been found to be effective at reducing risk factors for children and adolescents, many programs have differential impacts for girls and boys. Understanding what works for girls is critical to improving outcomes youth. This brief and its companion brief, focused on boys 3 , examine programs and strategies that work, as well as those that don’t for each gender.