Minority overrepresentation has been attributed to many factors, including indirect effects, cumulative effects, cultural bias, and institutional racism. Even without a complete understanding of the causes of minority overrepresentation, policymakers and practitioners can take steps to address this issue. A primary goal of every jurisdiction should be to develop a race neutral decisionmaking process. A starting point is for judges, probation officers, police, and others to pose certain questions, gather basic data, and be willing to try new approaches. Fact gathering and action steps should apply to each stage of the juvenile justice process, including detention, intake, disposition, and placement. Specific recommendations