ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on prior research by examining multiple stages of juvenile justice processing, they were not entirely consistent with prior research. Considering the empirical relationship between concentrated disadvantage and several stages of juvenile justice processing, there should be a formalized and methodical way to consider disadvantage. Cross-level interactions showed that disparate treatment of minority offenders is often exacerbated by concentrated disadvantage, depending on the stage of processing. The inconsistent results highlight the fact that judges use their discretion as well as consider legal and extralegal factors in exerting social control, and they do so differently at each stage of processing. Undercounting children leads to states receiving significantly less federal funding and assistance than needed, and ultimately the youth suffer. More work must be done to address the overrepresentation of minority youth in the justice system and the disparities in treatment at the local, community, and national levels.
