Lived Experiences of Youth of Color in Secured Facilities

Abstract

This article discusses the perceptions of youth of color in secured facilities regarding factors that influenced their lived experiences. Data were collected via focus groups with 101 youth and 80 staff. Results showed that factors such as youth skin color, youth attire, prejudicial attitudes of staff, stereotyping by staff, and bootstrapping contributed to the lived experiences of youth of color, with racial bias in secured facilities and similarly in the community. Implications for practice, research, and policy are also discussed.

KEYTERMS:

• Prejudice
• secured facilities
• youth of color
• racism
• biases

Acknowledgments

This article is based on data from a study that was funded by a state task force on ethnic and racial diversity and disproportionate minority confinement. We thank the youth and staff for their willingness to share their stories and views about youth of color experiences in the juvenile justice system.