Models for Change DMC Action Network

1
Models for ChangeDMC Action Network

• A national platform to expand the work of state
  and local jurisdictions in sustaining DMC
  reductions (Learning Laboratory)
• Communications infrastructure to share ideas,
  problem-solve and collaborate
• Technical assistance with system change
• MacArthur Foundation funding

2
What is DMC?

• DMC Disproportionate Minority Contact
• with the juvenile justice system
• Goals are to
• Reduce over-representation of youth of color
• Reduce racial and ethnic disparities
• Prevent youth of color from entering and moving
  deeper into the juvenile justice system.

3
DMC is not

• A research project
• Solving the problems of racism or poverty
• The Blame Game kids, parents, the community,
  music videos, television, the media, the
  system
• Finger pointing at public officials
• The Abuse Excuse poor, broken home,
• bad neighborhood, etc.
• Slap on the wrist for African-American or
  Hispanic youth

4
Why does DMC occur?

• Structural inequalities in our society
• Differential offending rates
• Juvenile Justice policies that are fair on their
  face but have unintended
• negative consequences
• Police responses to crime
• Location of offenses

5
Why does DMC occur? (cont.)

• Conscious or unconscious use of racial/ethnic
  stereotypes
• Policy based on anecdote or gut feeling
• Failure to use data to drive decisions
• Failure to include all stakeholders in policy
  decisions

6
Strategies to reduce DMC

• Prevention and early intervention programs
• Alternatives to secure detention
• Administrative rule modifications
• Cultural competency training
• Use of objective decision making tools
• DMC tracking and reporting as part of every
  program design

7
SEDGWICK COUNTY DMC STRATEGIES

• 1990-94 - Alternative Detention Programs
• 1996 - Detention Utilization Committees
• 1997 - Detention Risk Screening Instrument
• 1999 - Prevention and Early Intervention Programs
  2000 - Detention Advocacy Service Program
• 2000 - Study of Detention Practices (DMC)
• 2004 - DMC Policy Committee (Team Justice)

8
SEDGWICK COUNTY DMC STRATEGIES

• 2004 - DMC Pilot Project
• 2005 - Community Engagement and Partnerships
• 2005 - Cultural Diversity Training
• 2005 - Tracking Access and Differential Success
  Rates
• 2006 - School-based Interventions (achievement
  gap)
• 2007 - Positive Youth Development Activities
  (summer)
• Ongoing - Data Collection, Analysis,
  Intervention, Reports

9
Results Preliminary Findings

• Data collected at 10 decision points/4 years
• Relative Rate Index Measurement for DMC
• Prevention services reaching minority youth
• in balance with percentage being arrested and
• appear to be as effective
• Risk Screening Tool working well - JDF
• No overrepresentation in cases filed or probation
• Equal access to diversion and det. alternatives
• Disparity but coming down - ISP, custody, JCF
• Disparity in rate of arrests growing past 4 years

10
What have we learned?

• Keep evolving because the community is dynamic.
• Bring everyone to the table in a cooperative
  manner.
• Use technical assistance (fresh eyes)
• Leave no stone unturned training, data review
  for system perspective, involve community, local
  and state government, and legislative action
  when necessary.

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DMC Partners

• BOCC
• Juvenile Court Judges (18th JD)
• Kansas Advisory Group on Juvenile Justice
• DMC Committee (Team Justice)
• Wichita State University
• Members of AA and La Mesa Coalitions
• Some Key Leaders Rep. McCray-Miller,
  Commissioner Winters, Judge Jim Burgess, Dr.
  Craig-Moreland, Deputy Police Chief Moses