The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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In response to the second phase of the study, a few of the decision makers had
problems with the wording of the questions and the answers provided as choices. In
addition, there was also a fear of misinterpretation.
Suggestions for Change
The final part of the interview involved asking the decision makers what they
believed was needed to change the disproportionate overrepresentation of minority youth
in secure facilities. The responses given ranged from cultural awareness and more
treatment programs to the hiring of more minority personnel.
When asked if minorities have different needs than whites, the responses were
evenly distributed. Some of the decision makers believed that minority and white needs
were the same. These individuals believe that it is necessary to be aware of the
specialized needs that a child has individually, but not on the basis of race.
Those who believe minorities have different needs than whites, and even other
minorities, focused on the lack of male role models. Some solutions were suggested to
meet the needs of youth from single—parent families who are lacking a male role model.
It has to be the community that does that and it has to be programs that the
community will get involved in, like Big Brother and Big Sister, and
churches providing programs. Helping these kids to develop social skills
and working with kids that are struggling with school and are discouraged
and ready to drop