The Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in ...

Table 1-continued.
421
Race Specific Differences
Distrust of the System= parents believed not to be willing to hold
youth accountable for actions, suspicious
of authority, and failure to attend
meetings. Yet, minority youth are not seen
as less likely to admit guilt or cooperate.
Youth argue that system is too
quick to remove them from what is perceived
as a bad home.
Race Differences in Processing
Police= some decision makers feel police may be bias towards blacks
while others believe they are doing a fine job (police respond where crime
exists). Youth split if fair to them. However, both blacks and whites,
especially the former group
believe that police do not treat all people alike. Youth appear to operate
off of perceptions rather than personal of experience.
Access to Counsel= consensus that type of counsel plays little role.
No differences whether represent white or minority.
Probation Off icers= youth of both races strongly indicated that
officers treated them fairly.
Schools= both adults and youth suggested there may be problems.
Lack of minority staff and a willingness to suspend and place
youth in behavioral disorder classes were cited, as well as, an
increasing reliance on the juvenile court to solve problems.
Disproportionate Overrepresentation of Minorities in System
A variety of opinions that range from it not being an issue to placing the blame on
the minorities. Unstable family environment and deficiences in the juvenile
justice were also cited as important factors.