Seven Steps to Develop and Evaluate Strategies to Reduce Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC)

• NCJ Number: 209585
• Author(s): Ashley M. Nellis, M.S.
• Date Published: January 2005
• Length: 42 pages
• Agencies: OJJDP-Sponsored

Annotation

This document describes seven steps for implementing a strategy of evaluation that will reduce disproportionate minority contact (DMC) at each stage of juvenile case processing.

Abstract

The first step is to define the problem, which involves data collection that will identify the sources of the DMC problem. This may involve the implementation of methodological improvements in data collection that take into account the race and ethnicity of the juveniles processed. This first step also involves the collection of baseline data and the examination of minority overrepresentation throughout the juvenile justice system. The second step is to implement evidence-based programming. The factors that have contributed to minority overrepresentation should have been identified by the time this step is initiated. Specific evidence-based programs that have proven their effectiveness in reducing DMC should then be examined to determine their relevance to the problems identified, followed by their implementation. The third step is to develop program logic, which involves the construction of a logic model that visually represents a program's theory, objectives, activities, and desired achievements. The fourth step is to select performance measures for tracking the progress and achievements of the selected strategy. This is followed by step five: the collection and analysis of data that will show whether the strategy employed has reduced DMC at the targeted stages of case processing. Step six is the reporting of the findings to stakeholders so that those who will influence future programming decisions are aware of existing program impacts. The final step is to reassess program logic such that modifications are made with the intent of improving outcomes. 35 notes, a listing of resource organizations, and a 49-item selected bibliography