Bias detected? An examination of criminal history using the OYAS-DIS for girls and black youth

Miller, William; Campbell, Christina; Larnell, Twyla Blackmond

doi:10.1080/15377938.2021.1932661

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 56 publications

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“…However, the finding that females were more likely to be held in pretrial detention may be due to empirically observed gendered pathways into the justice system in which females are more likely to be arrested for family or peer conflict or running away, which can then lead to being charged with detainable offenses (Feld, 2009). Further considering intersectionality, while we did not test the interaction between race and gender, previous research demonstrates bias in decision-making for Black girls, in particular, leading to harsher sanctions than other demographic groups (Miller et al, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%

Racial disparities in youth pretrial detention: a retrospective cohort study grounded in critical race theory

et al. 2023

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Background and method Pretrial detention makes up 75% of juvenile detention admissions and contributes to the disproportionate contact of minoritized youth in the juvenile carceral system. Given that prior evidence largely examines differences between Black and white youth, this study expands research on disproportionate contact in the pretrial detention setting to Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian youth. With a sample of over 44,000 juvenile cases in a northwest state, we used a generalized linear mixed model to estimate the effect of individual level characteristics while accounting for the random effect of differences at the county level. Additionally, we utilized Critical Race Theory (CRT) in formulating our theoretical model and predictions and apply CRT in our analysis and discussion of our results. In doing so we hope to build upon its application in public health discourse for naming and deconstructing processes that lead to unjust social and health stratification. Results After factoring in gender, age, crime severity, previous offenses, and variation between counties, our analyses show that Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and American Indian/Alaskan Native youth are more likely to experience pretrial detention than white youth. The likelihood of pretrial detention for Asian youth and for youth identified as “Other” or “Unknown” was not significantly different from white youth. Conclusions As the iatrogenic effects of detention are disproportionately imposed upon youth of color—particularly Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latinx youth—the disparities present in our study reveal further evidence of institutional racism. In this way, we can see how this carceral process operates as a mechanism of racialized social stratification as put forth by CRT. Considering implications for policy or further research, persistent disparity highlights an enduring need for building or strengthening diversion programs and alternatives to the carceral system, with emphasis on those that are culturally responsive.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 87%