Disproportionate Minority contact/Confinement
In juvenile justice system, disproportionate minority contact is a big social issue which needs effective measures. Minority are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system simplify because of their races or ethnicities. A higher rate of overrepresentation is seen with African American youths compared with White. The following are factors cause DMC;
Differential offending/differential involvement- this perspective uses the attitude that ‘minority commit serious crime that white’. In this case, individual and family factors are used in addressing the cases between minority and white. In dealing with issues between the two groups, multiple domains are used. For example, people use the perception that minority youths are economically disadvantaged, they come from-low performing institutions, they have inconsistent discipline and other many things which are believed to increase the exposure to prosocial behaviors (Russell, 2013).
Differential treatment/system factor- This factor is explained in deeply by bias theory which states that juvenile justice system present punitive treatment toward minority youths. In every stage of decision-making, minority youths are disadvantaged and overrepresented and this shows a vivid picture of racial disparities (Russell, 2013). The symbolic threat theory argues that in the process of decision making, decision-makers follow a social-psychological process which allows them to have the perception that minority youths are threats to public safety. The problem is also explained by attribution and labeling theory which states that internal and external factors and status control the decision-makers and helps them to make conclusion that minority youths are vulnerable to criminal behaviors (Russell, 2013). On this point, Haner (2012) adds that the juvenile justice system use racial stereotyping and focus on demeanor of minority youth and imposes negative treatment such as higher arrest, higher charges and more. The justice system professionals violate laws and policies toward minority youths (Hanser, 2012). The system has a problem as it fails to provide culturally and linguistically services toward minorities. Minority fail to understand the system and end up being incarcerated.
Approaches to decrease DCM
Community-based detention alternatives- the best approach is to develop and implement delinquency prevention programs. The combination of the program with cost-benefit analysis will focus on things such as developing young education, reducing child abuse and substance abuse (Cabaniss et al, 2005). Program such as individual therapy will save cost than other ineffective programs such as standard parole which spends a higher cost. Other point is that the cost-saving problem will improve educational system and give minority youth the opportunity to learn and decrease the time of engaging in prosocial behaviors (Cabaniss et al, 2005).
Data gathering and mapping decision-point-This approach means that data review will help the probation department to review how the system operates in terms of individual bias, arrest, minority-overrepresentation and more (Cabaniss et al, 2005). Mapping the decision in the justice system helps to evaluate the cultural and racial issues and core detention reform. The process will also help to implement cultural sensitivity training and detention alternatives (Cabaniss et al, 2005).
Strategies to decrease DCM
Avoiding subjective in decision-making and focus on objective- this strategy is effective in eliminating racial disparities (Cabaniss et al, 2005). Since officials conduct assessment with respect to race, it is important to address the criminal activities by reviewing the prior record, probation status and the seriousness of the crime. The assessment is effectively done using risk-neutral instruments as it ensures there is no racial and ethnic bias (Cabaniss et al, 2005).
Cultural competency training- This is an effective strategy that would help the officers in the juvenile justice system gain an awareness of DMC and the problems it contributes (Hsia et al, 2004). The training would address the cultural diversity, effect of racial stereotyping and culture different. The training would also reinforce intercultural communication. Under this strategy, I would also propose State leadership which involves DMC subcommittees who act as advocates in creating public awareness, plans and implements resources necessary to reduce DMC in the community (Hsia et al, 2004).
Reference
Cabaniss R. Emily,.Frabutt M. James,.Hendrick H. Mary,. & Arbuckle Margaret.(2005). Reducing
disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile justice system: Promising practices. Aggression
and Violent Behavior 12 (2007) 393–401. Elsevier
Retrieved from: http://www.njjn.org/uploads/digital-library/resource_1639.pdf
Hsia, H. M., Bridges, G.S., & McHale, R. (September 2004). Disproportionate minority confinement 2002
update. U.S. Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs. Office of Juvenile Justice and
Delinquency Prevention.
Retrieved from: https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/201240.pdf
Hanser, R. D. (2012). Introduction to corrections. London: SAGE.
Russell, B. L. (2013). Perceptions of female offenders: How stereotypes and social norms affect criminal
justice responses. New York, NY: Springer.
