Dr. Charlene Berquist, professor of communication and director of the Center for Dispute Resolution (CDR) at Missouri State University, has been awarded a $52,138 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention grant by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Missouri Department of Public Safety. The award will fund the “Network for Girls” program, whose goal is to reduce the likelihood that participating girls under age 17 will reoffend.

Participants will be referred by the Greene County Juvenile Office, which worked with the CDR to develop “Network for Girls.” The program utilizes two processes: Family Group Conferencing (FGC) and the Girls Circle model. FGC brings the offender, family, victims and other community members together to engage in a facilitated discussion about the offense, and create a plan to prevent future problems. The Girls Circle model supports the development of program youth by increasing self efficacy, body image and social support while reducing risk factors.

For more information, contact Berquist at (417) 836-8831.