Disproportionate Minority Contact in the American Juvenile Justice System: Where are We after 20 Years, a Philosophy Shift, and Three Amendments?

Abstract

For the past 20 years, youth of color have been overrepresented in the American juvenile justice system. Over that same period, the philosophy of the juvenile court has changed from a more informal and rehabilitative model to a more formal and punitive model, and minority youth have experienced disparate and more severe outcomes than their majority counterparts. Starting in 1988, 3 significant policy changes were made via amendments to the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 mandating that states address disproportionate minority contact (DMC). The author examined the philosophy shifts in juvenile justice, as well as systemic and DMC policy changes, and their effects on the current status of minority overrepresentation. Recommendations are presented for social workers to address disproportionate minority contact.