Considering Disproportionate Minority Contact in Context: Race, Juvenile Justice Processing, and Family

• In Event: Identifying and Understanding Overrepresentation of Minority Youth in the Juvenile Justice System: Initial Results from Ohio’s Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Study

Abstract

Profiles of official delinquency cases have identified disparities in juvenile justice processing. The causes and mechanisms of these disparities are complex, however, and, while there has been some research on the topic, studies infrequently answer questions about how, and to what extent, familial factors might account for differences in juvenile justice outcomes. This is a significant oversight in light of the parens patriae origins of the juvenile justice system and the clear importance of the family in youth development. Based on a multisite study of juvenile court processing, this analysis uses official case records and individual and family factors to consider the degree to which familial risk/protection has a direct and/or moderated effect on juvenile justice decisions. Qualitative interviews and observations involving dozens of key decision-makers within those agencies will also be used to understand how familial characteristics influence processing decisions for minority youth. The paper's discussion will then consider how this triangulated view of the question might enhance our understanding of DMC issues and provide ideas for system response.

Authors

• Stephanie Spiegel, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati