Evaluation of the Disproportionate Minority Confinement (DMC) Initiative: Oregon Final Report

• NCJ Number: 161560
• Date Published: May 1996
• Length: 88 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

The disproportionate minority confinement (DMC) mandate of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act requires States to develop and implement strategies to address and reduce the overrepresentation of minority youth in secure facilities; in an effort to facilitate compliance with the mandate, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention sponsored demonstration projects in five pilot States; this is the final evaluation report for the Oregon project.

Abstract

The evaluation of Oregon's DMC Initiative included a process evaluation and an outcome/impact evaluation. Data were collected for the evaluation efforts through project document reviews; individual interviews with local service providers and State, local, and community representatives; focus groups with community representatives; and secondary data sources such as juvenile justice and service provider records. Qualitative analyses of the focus group and interview data and statistical analyses of the secondary data were conducted. Analyses of statewide data found that African-American youth are particularly likely to be overrepresented at every decision point from arrest to final case disposition. DMC intervention strategies involved a continuum of DMC program approaches that impact various aspects of the juvenile justice system, including advocacy, collaboration, and alternative resources development. The process evaluation showed positive results: increased cultural awareness and sensitivity of service providers; the unique needs of minority juvenile offenders addressed in a more culturally appropriate manner; increased school and employment participation; and increased self-esteem and self-control of minority juvenile offenders. The outcome/impact evaluations provided mixed results. Findings are inconclusive as to which program approach had the greatest impact on the juvenile justice system. Based on the results of evaluation team observations, the Oregon experiences could be a model for defining a clear and appropriate role for the State. Extensive exhibits and appended evaluation forms