Disproportionality

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Disproportionality

• What do I need to know?
• What can I do about it?

Still Under Construction
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Youth at Risk
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Minority Youth

comprise an unequal share of children who
repeat a grade. are far more likely to have
an IEP.
are identified at a much higher rate as having a
learning disability. are over represented
disproportionately in the Child Welfare, Juvenile
and Court Systems.
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Accumulated Disadvantage
From 2002 to 2004, African Americans were 16
of youth. 28 of juvenile arrests. 30 of
referrals to juvenile court. 37 of the
detained population. 34 of youth formally
processed by the juvenile court. 30 of
adjudicated youth. 35 of youth judicially
waived to criminal court. 38 of youth in
residential placement. 58 of youth admitted to
state adult prison.
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Incarceration in Adult Prisons

• In 2002, an estimated 4,100 new admissions to
  adult prisons involved youth under the age of 18.
  3 out of 4 of these youths were youth of color
• African American youth accounted for 58 of total
  admission to adult prisons
• Overrepresentation of youth of color and under
  representation of White youth were reported by
  nearly every state reporting admissions of youth
  under the age of 18 to adult prisons

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• In 2003, the homeless population was estimated
  to be
• 49 African-American
• 35 White
• 13 Hispanic
• 2 Native-American
• 1 Asian-American

and while Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender
and Questioning youth make up only 10-15 of the
Foster Care population they comprise
approximately 20-42 of homeless youth
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What can we do about it?

• Dont get defensive or deny the facts now you
  know and knowing is half the battle.
• Provide culturally responsive services
• Dont apply simplistic solutions
  disproportionality is complex and interactive
  it isnt just a numbers game.
• Need to increase resources available to minority
  youth and simplify access to those resources.

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Self Reflection

• What will stick with you today?
• How will knowing this information help you in
  providing services to youth?