The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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In all four counties, decision makers were very strong in their conviction that
access to counsel did not impede the quality of justice youth are provided within the
juvenile justice system. The racial/ethnic background of the youth was also seen not to
impact the quality of the services administered.
All the youth in each of the counties viewed probation officers in a positive light.
Most indicated they had good relations with their officer.
Both adults and youth suggested there may be problems in the school system. A
lack of minority staff and a willingness on school officials to suspend and place youth in
behavioral disorder classes were cited as areas of concern. An increasing reliance on
calling the police and on the juvenile court to solve problems was also raised.
A variety of opinions were offered to explain the disproportionate
overrepresentation of minorities in secure facilities. Most of the decision makers placed
blame on the minorities themselves. A greater likelihood to commit crime and an
unstable family environment were the dominant explanations. Defficiences in the
juvenile justice system were cited by a few of the personnel. The lack of telephones for
the poor and transportation issues were highlighted. The failure to provide more home
visits and create innovative programs was also raised.
Many of the officers failed to provide answers on the questions regarding the
findings from Phase One of the study. Those that did respond felt family distrust and a
lack of supervision and discipline may account for the racial/ethnic and gender effects.