NCJ Number
125805
Date Published
1990
Length
30 pages
Annotation
There is no greater concentration of black and Hispanic males 14 to 18 years of age in New Jersey as there is under the care of the Department of Corrections' Division of Juvenile Services.
Abstract
There is concern about differential treatment at all stages of the social services and juvenile justice systems. Increased emphasis should be placed on the development of prevention and early intervention programs and services to maintain children in their homes. Some children are passed from agency to agency without ever getting the help they need. Also, agencies should be encouraged to hire staff representative of their client populations. These staff can served as role models for their clients. There is a crucial need for education, information, and resources in order to increase the awareness of the problems and needs of black and Hispanic children for all decision makers and service providers. Improved social and vocational services to youth currently incarcerated should be provided, enabling them to return to school or obtain gainful employment upon release. Although racial bias may not be intentional, the disproportionate numbers of black and Hispanic youth in the system may indicate that there may be some correlation between race and juvenile justice system involvement. Appendix