NCJ Number
173303
Date Published
1994
Length
64 pages
Annotation
The problem of minority overrepresentation has become more serious as juvenile delinquency rates have risen, and minority youth are over-represented at all stages of the juvenile justice process, even when disparate crime commission rates are taken into account.
Abstract
These disparities are especially evident in secure confinement facilities, with the degree of overrepresentation being lowest at the point of arrest and increasing at each stage thereafter. Although there are differences in the rate of minority overrepresentation by State and locality, such over- representation is an undeniable fact throughout the United States. Adverse social conditions often confront minority youth, including the development of the "hyperghetto" in large cities, the destruction of the family as a social unit, poverty, cultural isolation, and persistent unemployment. Government policies are not always effective in providing access to services for minority youth. For example, drug policies may have varying effects on minority youth with respect to the focus of enforcement efforts, the placement of facilities, the division of responsibility between mental health and juvenile justice systems, and choices about sentencing or disposition based on the nature of the drug or the extent of the youth's involvement. To minimize disparities in the processing of juveniles who enter the juvenile justice system, a coherent and clearly articulated vision for reducing minority overrepresentation is needed. More juvenile delinquency research on minority overrepresentation must be conducted, juvenile justice advocates must build coalitions and forge alliances with minority communities and organizations to attack over-representation in a coordinated manner, and efforts must be made to increase the representation of minority personnel in the juvenile justice system. Further, court interventions with juveniles, when absolutely necessary, must take place in strict accordance with requirements of due process and fundamental fairness. Specific recommendations are offered to reduce minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system. 209 references