Explore the concept of disproportionate impact of some risk factors on a youth’s involvement in the juvenile justice system and school discipline. What is the role of inherent bias (implicit and explicit bias) and targeting in creating this disproportionate impact? How does the idea of bias influence such factors as segregation of schools?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers should at a minimum address the idea that several forms of bias exist in
the juvenile justice system. Perceptions of, and reactions to, members of different
minority groups exist and influence the likelihood of being the subject of school
discipline and being involved with the juvenile justice system. Differences cannot be
explained by the number of misbehavior or acts of delinquency in which youths of
different groups. This unfair treatment of youth runs counter to our principles of quality
education and appropriate socialization toward young adulthood. Many schools are
segregated by class and race with low-income students of color attending one school
and middle-class Caucasian students attending another. Resources vary by race and
class as well, with the most resources going to the White middle class schools. There is
also a perception of safety differences among the two schools. For example, there is the
perception that Black and/or low-income schools will be less safe because they are
located in urban centers. Such perceptions can lead to more punitive responses.
Differences in responses can lead to differential treatment of students and a differential
likelihood of being referred to the juvenile justice system.