Beyond Monolithic Threat: Understanding Risk Typology in Court-involved Black Male Youth

• NCJ Number: 308825
• Journal: Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice Volume: 22 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2024 Pages: 21-44
• Author(s): Eyitayo Onifade; Christina Campbell; Kwanele Shishane; Sylvia Annan; Emma Odotei; Justin B. Williams
• Date Published: February 2024
• Length: 23 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2016-R2-CX-0045
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: The Influence of Race/Ethnicity on Disparities in Correctional Dispositions: Examining How Risk Assessment & Neighborhood Socioeconomic Context Affects Sentencing Decisions of Adjudicated Juveniles

Annotation

In this paper, researchers examine recidivism patterns among Black male youth in the Ohio juvenile justice system.

Abstract

This study aims to identify recidivism risk/need patterns among African American male youth in the Ohio juvenile justice system, utilizing cluster analysis of risk assessment data from the Ohio Youth Assessment System-Disposition (OYAS-DIS). Black male youth are at greatest risk of disparate contact and detention in the U.S. juvenile justice system. Researchers found four distinct risk patterns and accompanying recidivism rates in the Black male youth population. Two of the clusters exhibited moderate levels of risk. However, they had significantly different recidivism outcomes, suggesting certain combinations of risk factors have more or less impact the propensity for crime in the Black male sample. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, as well as future directions for research. (Published Abstract Provided)