Disproportionate Minority Contact

The goal of the Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) Committee is to eliminate racial and ethnic overrepresentation in the Connecticut juvenile justice system. 

Background: 

There is a considerable national literature documenting the overrepresentation and disparate treatment of minority youth. This literature also shows that overrepresentation cannot be explained by differences in delinquent behavior across youth groups and that disparities “in system processing of minority youth occur…even when controlling for social and legal background variables.” (Spectrum Report, 2001) To acquire data on elements of this problem, the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management funded two studies, one in 1991-92 and a reassessment of minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system in 1998-99. While some progress in reducing overrepresentation was found, significant problems remain.

Action Items:

The DMC Committee will be working on the following items in 2005:

1. Developing a publication to assess the state’s progress on addressing minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system;
2. Supporting legislation to reduce overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system;
3. Educating policy makers and other Connecticut residents on the extent of minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system.

How to get involved:

For information about upcoming meetings, please email Fernando J. Muñiz or call the CTJJA office at (203) 579-2727, ext. 307.