Volume 1: Adoration of the Question

In this first publication of our series, published in December 2008, we introduce the foundation of the BI approach by examining the historical antecedents that continue to influence the juvenile justice system. We begin by outlining the early juvenile justice system and its approach toward youth of color, and then examine Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) and its perceived causes. We next analyze the well-intentioned federal mandates that have largely failed to reduce entrenched disparities in the system, and the importance of strengthening the Juvenile Justice And Delinquency Prevention Act (ACT).

Click below to download Adoration of the Question: Reflections on the Failure to Reduce Racial & Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System. For media inquiries, contact Communications Director Lauren Jones at ljones@burnsinstitute.org.