Girl Scouts Beyond Bars

Since 1992, the Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) program has, on a national level, been addressing the specific developmental needs of girls impacted by the justice system.

The Facts

  • The trauma associated with having an incarcerated parent has been well documented, and includes depression, aggression, poor academic performance, and truancy.
  • Children of incarcerated parents have a greater likelihood than children whose parents are not incarcerated of ending up in prison themselves.
  • Girls under the age of 18 have become the fastest growing segment of the juvenile justice population.

How GSBB is Making a Difference

While decreasing the negative impact of parental separation is the primary goal of GSBB, the program also aims to nurture, and in some cases reestablish, mother-daughter relationships. By helping mothers and daughters develop their strengths, the program encourages them to make positive decisions in the future.

The GSBB program works to achieve increased parent-child bond, self awareness and leadership development. To accomplish these goals, the GSBB program is structured around three primary components:

  • Mother/daughter troop meetings at the correctional facility
  • Girl-only troop meetings in the community and participation in council-wide activities
  • Onsite enrichment activities for incarcerated mothers

Through formal curricula use, as well as community organization collaboration, GSBB program activities and components typically include:

  • Financial literacy
  • Performance and visual arts
  • Bullying and gang prevention/intervention
  • Personal growth and leadership development
  • Transition and reentry planning
  • Girl-planned service learning projects
  • Referrals to community services for girls and caretakers

GSBB Program in Oregon and Southwest Washington

Since 1997, GSBB has been working with girls whose mothers reside at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville. Participants meet twice a month with their mothers at Coffee Creek, re-establishing relationships and sharing Girl Scout activities in a safe, supportive environment. The program focuses on Girl Scout values and healthy decision-making skills.

For more information about volunteering with the GSBB program, please contact:

Anita Noble
Portland Service Center
(503) 977-6805
anoble@girlscoutsosw.org

Debra Howard
Salem Service Center
(503) 581 2451 x27
dhoward@girlscoutsosw.org