Quantitative Analysis of Disparities in Juvenile Delinquency Referrals to the Fairbanks North Star Borough, FY2005-06

Abstract

Minority youths in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are referred to the Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) for delinquent behavior at rates much higher than white youths.This report describes disproportionate minority contact with the Alaska juvenile justice system for youths referred to the Fairbanks office of the Division of Juvenile Justice during fiscal years 2005 and 2006 (July 1, 2004, to June 30, 2006). Possible sources of disproportionate minority contact are subsequently narrowed by examining the impact of race and ethnicity, gender, type of referral, and geography. By developing a detailed understanding of the scope of disproportionate minority contact, we become much better prepared to identify its causes and to develop evidence-based solutions.