Estimating the Prevalence of Juvenile Custody by Race and Gender

Abstract

This research introduces a new social indicator of the long-term probability that juveniles will be taken into state custody. Estimates of the prevalence of state custody are presented for age, sex, and race subgroups for 36 states. Subgroup comparisons of prevalence estimates reveal dramatically higher rates for minorities. Comparisons of long-term and short-term prevalence estimates are also presented.