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OJJDP Annual DMC Conference to Convene in October

OJJDP's 2007 national disproportionate minority contact (DMC) conference, "Reducing Disproportionate Minority Contact in Juvenile Justice by Making the Right Connections," will be held October 25–27, 2007 in Denver, CO.

The two-and-a-half day conference will provide State and local juvenile justice professionals with a variety of strategies to help make the right connections in their DMC-reduction efforts. The conference should be of particular interest to juvenile justice specialists, DMC coordinators, police officers, detention and probation professionals, family court judges, attorneys, and community-based youth services providers, including child welfare professionals. Presentations will focus on such topics as the following:

• Organizational strategies and structures that facilitate DMC-reduction efforts.
• Best practices and promising programs to reduce DMC.
• Rural solutions to reduce DMC in small communities.

The conference will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 1550 Court Place, Denver, CO. For more information on registration, visit www.dsgonline.com/dmctraining.

OJJDP Seeks Nominations of Effective DMC Reduction Initiatives

OJJDP plans to expand its Model Programs Guide to include strategies and programs that are effective in reducing disproportionate minority contact. To this end, OJJDP is inviting nominations of DMC reduction initiatives believed to be effective.

Programs are eligible for nomination if they have been in operation for at least 2 years and data documenting effectiveness are available. OJJDP will review nominations for inclusion in a database of effective DMC initiatives and potential eventual addition to the Model Programs Guide.

The Model Programs Guide is designed to assist practitioners and communities in implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention programs that can make a difference in the lives of children and communities. Its database of evidence-based programs covers the entire continuum of youth services, from prevention through sanctions, to reentry. The Guide can be used to assist juvenile justice practitioners, administrators, and researchers to enhance accountability, ensure public safety, and reduce recidivism.