“Every Youth in the Oklahoma Juvenile justice system should have equal & fair treatment regardless of race and ethnicity.”
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What is Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC)?
DMC occurs when minority youth and families come in contact with the juvenile justice system at a higher rate than white youth
The Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2002 (Act) [P.L. 107-273 Title II Subtitle B Sec. 12209 (P) (23)] says that States must: “Address juvenile delinquency prevention efforts and system improvement efforts designed to reduce, without establishing or requiring numerical standards or quota, the disproportionate number of juvenile members of minority groups, who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.” |
What are Possible Causes of DMC? Decisions throughout the Juvenile Justice System impact youth of color. To effectively impact DMC, stakeholders and communities must come together to address the causes unique to their locality and direct intervention at the contact points identified. The following is a list of possible explanations which may contribute to DMC |
• Less Access to Prevention and Treatment Services • Lack of Legal Representation • Legislation, Policies, and Legal Factors Can Contribute Inadvertently to DMC • Lack of Education and Community Resources • Negative Interpretation of Culture, Language, and Behavior |
What Does this Mean in Oklahoma? The University of Oklahoma conducted a comprehensive assessment study of disparity in the Oklahoma Juvenile Justice System. This assessment examined the extent of DMC at contact points in the system. A second study looked at factors which may contribute to racial disparity within the system. A third study is planned for the spring of 2015. This study will look at disparity for youth of color in secure confinement. The findings from these studies are tied to intervention strategies throughout the state and to targeted local strategies in Oklahoma, Tulsa, and Comanche Counties. Data is gathered and analyzed annually to monitor the impact of strategies and to identify points in the juvenile justice system requiring intervention. The Oklahoma State Advisory Group (SAG) and the Office of Juvenile Affairs have awarded grant funds to target DMC reduction efforts. This issue remains a primary focus of the SAG and the State DMC Subcommittee. |