The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

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understand the nature of the charge or wrong doing. A liaison worker would be valuable
for helping with difficult cases and allowing for greater two—way communication
between the juvenile court office and youth and families in the community. In essence,
this person could act as a “trouble shooter.” This person’s role would be to improve
community relations and educate both the staff and the community at large of the feelings
and goals of each party.
Recommendation: The Creation of a Job Line for a Liaison
Between the Office and the Community
Greater links need to be made between the community and the juvenile court
staff. Both groups need a forum to meet each other in situations other than those when a
youth is involved in trouble. Mechanisms are needed for both parties to express their
goals, objectives, concerns, and complaints. Forums, town-hall meetings, neighborhood
organizations could be used as a means to enhance communication, understanding, and
trust between all parties.
Recommendation: Greater Contact Between Juvenile Court
Personnel and the Community in Settings
Other Than Those Pertaining to Court Matters
The last recommendation in this part focuses on the juvenile court offices
themselves. Although each of the four county courts is taxed due to shortages of