Violence Risk and Race in a Sample of Youth in Juvenile Detention

Abstract

Overrepresentation of minorities and their disproportionate confinement in the U.S. justice system are pernicious, unyielding problems. The authors used the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth to examine risk and protective factors of 757 juveniles admitted to detention centers. A chi-square analysis revealed that significantly more African American youth were rated low risk for violence compared to White counterparts. African American and Hispanic youth initiated violent behavior earlier and frequently lived in violent, disorganized neighborhoods. However, they had more prosocial involvement, stronger attachments and bonds, and more resilient personality traits. Ideas for targeted release and intervention with minority youth are described.