"Wisconsin’s juvenile justice system operates like a complex maze with many points of entry. Navigating the maze-like-system is difficult and finding a point of exit is even more difficult. The complexities of the juvenile justice system and the biases that exist within the system are preventing many children in Wisconsin from thriving—particularly children of color. Wisconsin is locking up too many youth of color in a system that doesn’t address the needs of developing youth brains, and is threatening the livelihood of families and communities throughout the state. Policy makers and stakeholders should work to address the increasing racial disparities that is harming youth and families of color"
The Complex Maze of the Juvenile Justice System in Wisconsin and Its Impacts on Youth of Color, Kids Forward, August 2018
The Complex Maze of the Juvenile Justice System in Wisconsin and Its Impacts on Youth of Color, Kids Forward, August 2018
Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC)
The Office of Juvenile Assistance compiled a comparative analysis: Disproportionate Minority Contact: An Analysis of Brown, Dane, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, and Rock Counties, 2002 – 2005. Data for Dane County illustrated a significant need to address issues of DMC at multiple points throughout our youth justice system:
In response, the Youth Justice Disproportionate Minority Contact & Confinement Solutions Work group was formed in 2008 to examine the DMC issues facing our community. Members were drawn from areas throughout our community including the United Way, Centro Hispano, YWCA, neighborhood centers, faith-based programs, schools, police departments, attorneys, Urban League, NAACP, Juvenile Court, Dane County Department of Human Services, contract agencies and others.
For a full review of the recommendations, go to:
Dane County Juvenile Justice DMC Solutions Work Group Report, 2009
Dane County Juvenile Justice DMC Solutions Report 2019
(*Information provided here can be found: Dane County Department of Human Services Youth Justice)
- Dane County had the lowest proportion of cases diverted; meaning minority youth were less likely to be diverted in Dane County than in any other county.
- Dane County had the most disproportionate levels for cases involving secure detention, with minority youth over 2 times more likely to be held than their white counterparts.
- Dane County tied with Milwaukee County for the most disproportionate levels of cases petitioned for minority youth than their white counterparts.
- African-American youth were 6 ½ times more likely to be arrested than their white counterpart, a disparity that has increased yearly from 2002 through 2005.
- Dane County’s rates of youth arrests were the most disproportionate rates of all six counties in 2005.
In response, the Youth Justice Disproportionate Minority Contact & Confinement Solutions Work group was formed in 2008 to examine the DMC issues facing our community. Members were drawn from areas throughout our community including the United Way, Centro Hispano, YWCA, neighborhood centers, faith-based programs, schools, police departments, attorneys, Urban League, NAACP, Juvenile Court, Dane County Department of Human Services, contract agencies and others.
For a full review of the recommendations, go to:
Dane County Juvenile Justice DMC Solutions Work Group Report, 2009
Dane County Juvenile Justice DMC Solutions Report 2019
(*Information provided here can be found: Dane County Department of Human Services Youth Justice)
