NCJ Number: 197419
Title: Effects of Race in Juvenile Justice: Investigating Early Stage Processes
Journal: Journal for Juvenile Justice and Detention Services Volume:16 Issue:2 Dated:Fall 2001 Pages:77-91
Author(s): James H. Williams Ph.D.; Charles D. Ayers M.S.W; Wade S. Outlaw M.S.W; Robert D. Abbott Ph.D.; David Hawkins Ph.D.
Date Published: 2001
Page Count: 15
Type: Report (Study/Research)
Format: Article
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Annotation: Using self-reports of juvenile justice system involvement,
delinquent behavior, drug trafficking, and violent acts, multiple regression techniques tested the direct and interaction effects of race as a predictor of system involvement for participants at mid-adolescence and again at late adolescence.
Abstract: The study used data collected from the Seattle Social Development
Project (SSDP), a theory-driven study of the etiology of
antisocial behaviors. SSDP began in 18 Seattle elementary schools
that were identified as having an overrepresentation of students
from high crime neighborhoods. The study population consisted of
808 students and their parents. Of the study sample, 46 percent
were Caucasian (n=372), 25 percent were African-American (n=195),
21 percent were Asian-American (n=170), 5.6 percent were
American-Indian (n=45), and 3.2 percent were classified as
belonging in another ethnic group (n=26). Juvenile justice
system involvement was indicated by the mean score for a
four-item index that measured the frequency of subjects'
involvement with juvenile justice. Other variables measured
pertained to drug trafficking, delinquency, and violent acts.
Hierarchical regression analysis was used by regressing the
dependent variables (juvenile justice system involvement) on
delinquent behavior, drug trafficking, and violent behaviors. To
test for significant differences between the Caucasian and
African-American race groups, prior criminal activity indexes
were entered as a control measure. Separate regression models
were conducted for each antisocial behavior. To test for race
effects, each model included a dummy coded race variable and a
race by behavior interaction term. Separate regression models
were also conducted for subjects at both age periods to
investigate differences in system response from mid to late
adolescence. Results of the regression models indicate that race,
drug trafficking, delinquency, and involvement in violent
behavior contributed significantly to the prediction of juvenile
justice system involvement at both age periods. Overall, 25
percent of the variability in juvenile justice system involvement
at mid-adolescence (ages 15-16) was explained by race and prior
and current drug trafficking activities. The analysis thus found
detectable effects of race on juvenile justice processing that
constitutes a disadvantage for African-American youths in the
area under investigation. Study limitations are discussed. 6
tables and 40 references
Main Term(s): Juvenile processing
Index Term(s): Juvenile justice policies; Juvenile justice system; Race-punishment relationship; Racial discrimination
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