NCJ Number
177279
Date Published
1995
Length
120 pages
Annotation
Disproportionate representation of juveniles of different races in the Utah juvenile justice system was examined, with emphasis on the stages in the system in which this issue is most serious, differences in offenses and prior offenses among youth of different racial groups, and perceptions of youth and juvenile justice professionals.
Abstract
The characteristics of youth in the juvenile justice system were examined at five decision points: (1) arrest, (2) detention hearing, (3) juvenile court referral, (4) juvenile court hearing, and (5) disposition. Data came from the 1993 Uniform Crime Reports and Utah Department of Public Safety arrest records, 1993 Utah Juvenile Court records, and 1993 Utah Division of Youth Corrections records. Minority youth were overrepresented at all stages of the juvenile justice system. Little difference existed in the lifetime offending record of white and minority youth at each stage or decision point in the juvenile justice system. White and minority youth spent approximately the same number of days in Division of Youth Corrections placement. In addition, significant racial and ethnic differences existed in the risk factors among white and minority youth. Moreover, perceptions about the fairness of the juvenile justice system differed by decision point. Findings indicated the need for a variety of strategies to reduce racial disproportionality in Utah's juvenile justice system. Recommendations focused on data collection and information management, policies, programs, and future research. Figures; tables; appended methodological information, additional results, and instruments; and 14 references