The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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ideological position is evident in intake and least emphasized by those representing the
prosecution and the judicial branch. Although a working relationship exists, the schism
between the two groups appears to have resulted in some tension.
Most of the decision makers feel socio—economic factors and the growing
number of single parent households contribute to the disproportionate overrepresentation
of minorities in secure facilities. Minorities are believed to commit more crime. Police,
for the most part, are seen as doing a fine job. Arrests simply reflect responses to where
crime exists. Black youth and other minorities in general, are believed to be more
distrustful than whites but not less likely to deny guilt or have poorer attitudes.
Overall, most of the personnel either did not respond to questions concerning the
phase one of the study or questioned the reliability and validity of the findings. Yet these
people, as well as others acknowledged that Native American Indians are released via a
formal agreement with Indian Youth of America. There seems to be some confusion as to
what this agency does with the diverted youth. Recall, Native American Indians under
court authority and those charged with a serious crime were less likely than others to be
referred to petition at the intake stage.
As for the other finding at intake that younger blacks were more likely to be
released than older blacks most of those who responded felt that reflected a reaction to
previous practices of leniency. The youth received a number of “breaks” and now s/he
will be responded to in a more strict manner. Others pointed to