Racial and ethnic fairness/DMC

Reducing racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system

Youth of color are overrepresented at nearly every point of contact with the juvenile justice system—and the finding is disturbingly persistent over time. Youth of color are more likely to be incarcerated and to serve more time than white youth, even when they are charged with the same category of offense. Whether these often-stark differences are the result of biases in decision-making, social or economic differences that are merely correlated with race and ethnicity, or more complex structural factors, they are unacceptable in a democratic society.

Reducing "disproportionate minority contact" (DMC) with the juvenile justice system is a critical objective for all four core Models for Change states, and is also the focus of four additional DMC Action Network states. States are working to understand the nature of the problem through better data collection and analysis. Based on that data, states are working to identify appropriate interventions that include tools to promote objective decision-making, improved language and cultural competency, education and workforce development, and detention alternative and nontraditional services.

Through improved data and intentional and targeted interventions, Models for Change states are working to promote fair and unbiased juvenile justice systems that treat youth equally regardless of their race or ethnicity.

Reform Progress

NCLR Highlights Juvenile Justice from Its 2010 Annual Conference: Aug 11, 2010, The National Council of La Raza
Juvenile Detention Reform Helping to Ease Overcrowding: Aug 6, 2010, Louisiana Models for Change
Latino Leaders Engaged: Jun 29, 2010, Washington State Models for Change

More Reform Progress Items »

Newsroom

Stolen Futures - Seventeen: 8/31/2010 by The Chicago Reporter; by Angela Caputo
Illinois Governor Quinn Names Acting Juvenile Justice Director: 7/16/2010 by Office of Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
Supreme Court Decision Could Affect La. Inmates: 5/18/2010 by The Shreveport Times; by Gannett News Service

More News Items »

Publications

DMC Action Network eNews, August 2010: In November 2009, we highlighted Baltimore City’s Pre-Adjudication…
DMC Action Network e-News - July 2010: In November 2009, we described how the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority…
Washington State Models for Change Newsletter-July 2010: Hello from Benton/Franklin Counties Models for Change! We hope this issue…

More publications »

Contacts

Defender Association of Philadelphia: (267) 765-6685
Congreso de Latinos Unidos: (215) 763-8870
Pa Commission on Crime and Delinquency: (717) 705-0888
Rapides Parish, Louisiana: (318) 767-2814