Significant race differences in factors related to the detention of youthful offenders

A significant number of youthful offenders in the United States are held in juvenile court detention centers. Of broad concern is the disproportionate impact these placements have on minority youth, with African-American and Hispanic youth much more frequently detained in these facilities, compared to Caucasian youth. This United States study of a two-county youthful offender population in the Midwest (one urban, one rural) investigated racial differences in both extra-legal (demographic, educational, mental health, and history of abuse or neglect) and court-related legal variables that predict detention placement upon recidivism. Findings from logistic regression analysis indicated only a few legal factors predicted for both minority and Caucasian youth (violation of a court order, number of court offenses), but numerous racially disparate extra-legal factors also predicted detention placement. Specifically, unique predictors for minority youth included history of abuse or neglect, suicide attempt, and mental health diagnoses. These findings support the racially differential treatment explanation for detention placements, as well as offer interventive opportunities for juvenile court personnel to reduce disproportionate minority confinement among youthful offenders.