Race, Ethnicity, and the Experiences of Incarcerated Juveniles

• In Event: Juvenile Court Outcomes and Experiences of Incarcerated Youth: Race, Gender, Offense Severity, and Role Conflict

Abstract

Analyzing in-depth interview data, this study explores the experiences of white, black, Latino, and Native American youth while incarcerated in a private correctional facility in the Midwest. While previous research has examined the effectiveness of various programs and assessment tools pertaining to juvenile corrections, the current studies takes a broad focus on the institution by examining the structural and cultural features of the facility through the perspective of the youth and staff. Educational strategies, programming, staff backgrounds, and the social environment of the facility are all considered in relation to the diversity of youth within this facility, highlighting the difficulty involved in meeting the variety of needs that exist within juvenile correctional facilities.

Author

• Rachel Feinstein, Carthage College