NCJ Number
153360
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This research summary highlights the major findings and implications of the Oregon Community Children and Youth Services Commission's recent research on the overrepresentation of minority youth in the juvenile justice system.
Abstract
The research focuses on the extent of such overrepresentation statewide and in Oregon's three largest counties, the points in juvenile justice system processing at which it is most likely to occur, and the implications of the current research for future policy research on the reasons for such overrepresentation. To date, the research shows that various minority youth are differentially affected by overrepresentation and disproportionate confinement. In particular, African-American youth are more likely than any other minority youth group to be overrepresented across all three counties studied and at every juvenile justice processing decision point. Although the nature of and reasons for overrepresentation are not fully addressed, the research does suggest more refined analysis of the system data, controlling for the influence of number of prior referrals, crime severity, and selection factors, all of which can affect the accumulation of cases at certain decision points in juvenile justice processing. Also, the qualitative data analysis suggests additional research on the availability of client resources and services. 12 notes