Disproportionate Minority Contact DMC: An Examination of Duval County

1. Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC): An Examination of Duval County Presented by: Randy B. Nelson, Ph.D.21st Century Research & Evaluations, Inc.July 24-25, 2009

17. Causes and Correlates of DMC Individual Domain Major components of the individual risk factor domain include social bonding, peer influence, drug use, and mental health issues. The degree to which these issues negatively or positively impact a youth�s life influences his/her chances of becoming delinquent. - Juveniles referred to alcohol and drug treatment programs - Juvenile suicides - Runaways - Pre-delinquent behavior � Delinquent peer group association � Running away � Stealing - Pattern of drug and/or alcohol abuse

18. Causes and Correlates of DMC Family Domain The inability to stabilize and preserve the family institution has had a profound effect on Florida�s juvenile delinquency rate. Drug-dependent newborns Teen pregnancy - Abuse, abandonment, neglect - Lack of control and supervision in the home - Criminal family members, including siblings

19. Causes and Correlates of DMC Community Domain The neglect and disintegration of the once cohesive lower- and middle-income families has also had a negative impact on the rate of juvenile delinquency. Typically, these communities are characterized by high rates of crime, unemployment, poverty, and educational deficits. Minority ownership of property* Weapons arrests* Drug paraphernalia arrests *Several of these factors correlated with counties with large minority populations

20. Causes and Correlates of DMC Education and Job Training Domain Youth who are poorly educated and inadequately prepared to meet the needs of a continually changing workforce also adversely impact Florida�s juvenile delinquency rate. Educational attainment after high school In-school suspensions - Recent suspension or expulsion - Truancy - Failing more than one course

21. Correctives of DMC Individual Domain Increase use of Cognitive Behavioral treatment strategies Problem solving Critical thinking Increase use of Behavior Modeling practices Identify and address substance abuse and mental health issues Increase youth life exposure opportunities Understand and recognize culturally relevant behaviors and attributes

22. Correctives of DMC Family Domain Increase the use of Multi-systemic and Functional Family program models Increase in-home Family Counseling services Establish single-parent household support groups Increase efforts to strengthen and empower families to help youth succeed Increase opportunities for positive family oriented activities and events

23. Correctives of DMC Community Domain Identify Community Improvement Projects Increase the availability and effectiveness of community-based youth services in high-risk areas Organize and sustain community improvement forums to discuss the needs and concerns of youth and families residing in high-risk areas Reduce the number of youth, in general, and minority youth, in particular, who are inappropriately placed in the juvenile justice system Increase the use of prevention and diversion services available to youth residing in high-risk areas

24. Correctives of DMC Education and Job Training Domain Provide training and expertise to local school systems to better address behavioral problems of youth, in general, and minority youth, in particular Increase awareness of vocational training careers and opportunities Increase awareness of and access to Volunteer Pre-k and other early education programs in disadvantaged communities Increase and enhance behavior management course offering at colleges and universities for students pursuing careers in education

25. Thank you!