NCJ Number
133783
Date Published
Unknown
Length
194 pages
Annotation
This 15-month research project examined the role of minority status in the processing of youth through the juvenile justice system and developed policy and program recommendations addressing the issue of disproportionate involvement of minorities in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The project identified existing literature relating minority status to actions of the juvenile justice system. Each study was coded in terms of its methodological attributes and findings to include sample size, sampling method, location, minority group, statistical techniques, and similar factors. Studies finding evidence of selection bias were generally no less sophisticated methodologically than studies finding no such evidence. When selection bias existed, it occurred at various stages of juvenile processing. It was determined that racial differences may accumulate in some instances and become more pronounced as minority youth are processed further into the juvenile justice system. Secondary analysis of data obtained from the National Juvenile Court Data Archives for California and Florida showed differences between minority and majority youth; minority youth generally received more severe outcomes. Differences were more pronounced in the earlier stages (intake and detention) than in the later stages (adjudication and disposition). For both California and Florida, there were marked differences among counties with respect to the severity of dispositions when compared to the overall State pattern. Recommendations emphasize reducing the gap between minority and majority youth. Appendixes contain supplemental information on the research project and its recommendations. References, tables, and figures