NCJ Number
164193
Date Published
1996
Length
86 pages
Annotation
This report provides information and data on the overrepresentation of minority youth in the Dallas County (Texas) juvenile justice system and presents recommendations for addressing this problem.
Abstract
A questionnaire was used to collect data. It solicited demographic, intake, self-report, referral, detention, disposition, and prior history information. The study reviewed 1,500 randomly selected official records of former referrals to the Dallas County Juvenile Department. Data were assessed according to population, arrests, referrals, detentions, commitments, and adult certifications. Demonstrable disparity in ethnic representation was found in every category of study. Although composing only 25 percent of the county's population, African-American juveniles represent almost 50 percent of all referrals to the Dallas County Juvenile Department, more than half the youth in secure detention, and 60 percent of the county's referrals to the Texas Youth Commission. Anglos tend to receive determinate sentences and receive the least number of certifications, admission, or assignments to probation than any other racial group. Representation of Hispanic youth, although generally slightly higher than their representation in the county overall juvenile population, tends to be more consistent in most categories of study. Recommendations include training and professional development programs, cooperative activities with other jurisdictions, and investigations into other jurisdictions' and organizations' initiatives in the area of ethnic minority overrepresentation. Other recommendations pertain to accountability and competence among service providers and county staff, new or revised standards of conduct and process, employment hiring and review practices, and a juvenile justice summit for Dallas County. 16 figures, a 61-item bibliography, appended authorizing legislation, and appended questionnaire