Purpose of DMC Committee
The Disproportionate Minority Committee (DMC) was created by the Office of Juvenile Justice Program to monitor, research, and make recommendations to address DMC. The DMC Committee will also advise the SAG and OJP on matters relating to improving the juvenile justice system with the a primary focus on minority youth groups, which include but not limited to: race, sex gender, religion, income, and mental and physical disabilities; and advocate for policy and funding recommendations to improve equality for all youth served through these efforts.
Responsibilities of DMC Committee
The MJAY Committee will develop a State comprehensive strategy plan for raising the awareness of non – traditional youth in the juvenile justice system and to promote the best practices and policies to eradicate the problem.
The MJAY will focus on developing ways to increase the opportunities for non – traditional youth that will contribute to positive youth development, increase decision making skills, and improve the lives of economically disadvantage youth.
The MJAY Committee will advocate for the need for system, community, and institutional change that will help decrease racial disparities at each decision point leading to disproportionate minority contact.
Examine the policy, procedures, laws, and practices at each point in the juvenile justice process to prevent re – offending youth.
Participate in data analysis with community and system stakeholders to assure that juveniles are being appropriately detained and examine each point of contact to determine a need for systematic changes to reduce the number of re-offenders.
Develop and expand the use of Alternatives to Detention by educating and providing training to agencies, partners, and communities on the negative impact of detention.
Work in partnership with all law enforcement agencies to collect and report local arrest and release data by race, gender, and charge.