NCJ Number
214347
Date Published
2005
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the prevalence of disproportionate minority contact (DMC) within the juvenile justice system, from arrest to confinement.
Abstract
With a significant amount of national and State data on disproportionate minority representation in the juvenile justice system, as well as practical policies and programs that have reduced disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in model sites, States and localities have the opportunity to overcome barriers and replicate successful practices in their own jurisdictions. DMC is being actively and effectively pursued in the context of comprehensive detention reforms. Effective methods in reducing DMC include: (1) the assigning of organizational responsibility; (2) data collection and analysis; (3) prioritizing and building consensus; (4) training; (5) implementation of community-based interventions; (6) the development of risk assessment instruments; (7) access to counsel; and (8) evaluation. Successful DMC reduction models presented include: Santa Cruz, CA, Multnomah County, OR, and Cook County, IL. The information in this paper is provided to educate practitioners, administrators, policymakers, child welfare agencies, and juvenile justice agencies about the ramifications of DMC in the United States juvenile justice system. It delineates the extent of racial disparity among juvenile offenders in the arrest, referral, pre-adjudication detention, adjudication, and post-disposition confinement stages, and examines how statutory and policy shifts have intensified DMC. Lastly, the paper reviews the status of Federal legislation pertaining to juvenile DMC, causal factors, and lessons from successful State and local models, along with research recommendations. References