The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minorities
Different responses were provided to explain the disproportionate number of
blacks in secure facilities as compared to whites. Opinions ranged from subcultural
differences to minorities being caught more often due to the neighborhood minorities live
in. Many decision makers also believe that blacks tend to be more highly represented in
all categories of the risk factors for delinquency.
Some decision makers believe there is a disproportionate number of blacks in the
system because of the greater number of single—parent homes. In general, it is believed
that a single—parent may have a more difficult time in effectively supervising his/her
child. Thus, residential placements were looked at more closely as a viable option,
especially in serious offense cases. Reasons ranging from discrimination to economics
were provided as responses to the question, “Why are minorities disproportionately
represented in the juvenile justice system”.
I think that there is a tendency for non-whites to be more involved in
criminal activity because of their economic differences. Minorities have a
tendency to be poor and I think that a lot of them get into trouble by trying
to get things that they can’t get through normal means. I guess some of it
is that and I think minorities are singled out, some of it unjustly and some
of it justly. You have problems with attitude sometimes and I think that
has a lot to do with it sometimes.