NCJ Number
216932
Editor(s)
Kimberly Holt Barrett,
William H. George
Date Published
2005
Length
495 pages
Annotation
This book addresses the knowledge and practice (mental health and legal) that is critical in providing comprehensive services to ethnic, racial, and cultural minorities involved in the U.S. legal system.
Abstract
The seven chapters of Part I, "Race and Justice," consider a range of background, philosophical, and general issues in the interface of race, culture, and the American justice system. Issues addressed include challenges for culturally competent legal and mental health practitioners, the myth of racial neutrality in the application and interpretation of U.S. laws, principles of cross-cultural lawyering, and the myths that continue to disadvantage African-Americans in the courtroom. The six chapters of Part II, "Assessment," focus on the use of evaluation and assessment procedures for legal proceedings. They include guidelines and suggestions for conducting effective cross-cultural forensic psychological evaluations, psychological assessments in civil proceedings related to alleged racially based workplace harassment, and the assessment of asylum seekers. The three chapters of Part III, "Immigration," focus on enhancement of the psychosocial well-being of asylum seekers and refugees, challenges and potential solutions for trafficking in women and children, and how U.S. immigration law failed Cambodian refugees. The four chapters of Part IV, "Working With Children and Families," address the plight of Asian-American/Pacific Islander families in conflict, the challenge of cultural competence in working with American Muslims and their families, and legal and psychological considerations in serving immigrant children unaccompanied by parents/caregivers in the United States. The four chapters of Part V, "Juveniles," consider issues in working with ethnic-minority juveniles, specifically Mexican-Americans, American Indian and Alaska Native youth, and ethnic-minority juvenile inmate fathers. The five chapters of Part VI, "Violence," focus on minority cultural issues in violent victimization, particularly domestic violence and sexual violence. Chapter references and a subject index