The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

children, that could be some sort of deterrent for them.
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Q. So, you’re suggesting that Hispanics and Laotians do have a different
culture. Do you think there’s a definite black culture
A. Yeah, I do. Yeah, I definitely do.
Q. Does the high number of minority children in the system reflect
discrimination
A. No.
Q. Do minorities commit more delinquency, which is also more serious
than white youth
A. No. I know I just contradicted what I Just said. I think. I don’t
see this juvenile system going out and say that if this person is black or
Hispanic then they must be doing something wrong because of being in a
certain situation. What hit me was the number of the blacks that you said
(that over 20% of those in the state training school are black). I never
heard that statistic...
Some decision makers did indicate that there was need for alternative programming,
especially those that focused on the family. They also believed there was need for greater
diversity among the staff and for sessions on cultural sensitivity in Sioux City.
I think there needs to be job programs. There needs to be family
involvement with these kids’ families. The family needs to stress
education...
I think we probably have to be culturally more sensitive. I think we have
to a better awareness of what is going on, whether that be through
philosophical things coming on through the administration on down
through the system.
I sometimes feel that the court ends up being the parent. It could be a
major function in terms of family situations. It’s been that way in the last
year or so. The only thing I would like to see is more programs, once the
kid is in here, for the families as well as the kid. Some programs are doing
that now.
Q. Do Blacks, Hispanics, Native American Indian youth have different
needs than white youth