The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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Results and Themes from Phase Two
The more dominant themes and trends that emerged from the interviews with
adults and youth are detailed in Table 1. Recall, the specific findings from Phase One are
summarized in Table 2 in Chapter One.
Role of Court and Views of System
There were some variations among the four counties regarding the underlying
philosophies guiding personnel in their interactions with youth. Most of the juvenile
courts adhered to some combination of an orientation that reflected aspects of
rehabilitation and legalistic principles. Counties differed in the extent one was
emphasized over the other. Black Hawk county and Scott county also placed a strong
emphasis on rehabilitative intervention while Polk county minimized this method for
dealing with youth. Woodbury, and to a much lesser extent Scott county, were also more
particular about the importance of adherence to middle—class standards than other
counties (e.g., style of dress, emphasis on education, etc.). Most of the juvenile court
decision makers felt more resources were needed, as well as, independence from state
control.
Causes of Delinquency
Juvenile court personnel pointed to a number of, factors that were perceived to be
associated with delinquent behavior. Socioeconomic status, essentially being poor and
residing in poor areas was a recurring theme. Beliefs in more conservative explanations,