DMC Defined:

Disproportionate Minority Contact (DMC) occurs when the rate of contact with the juvenile justice system among juveniles of a specific minority group is significantly different than the rate of contact for whites (non-Hispanic Caucasians) or for other minority groups.

In 2003, for every 100,000 black juvenile living in the U.S., 754 were in custody in a juvenile facility. The custody rate was 348 for Hispanics and 190 for whites (Juvenile Offenders and Victims: 2006 National Report, Synder and Sickmund). DMC also exists in South Carolina for African Americans.

South Carolina Statistics:

Minority (African American) youth accounted for only 38% of the state’s population. However, this 38% of our state’s youth accounted for 58% of juvenile arrests, 60% of the youth in detention, and 69% of the youth in our correctional institutions. (Data from SC Department of Juvenile Justice, 2003-04).

Click here to access county and circuit statistics.

DMC Project Overview:

The South Carolina Governor’s Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee has funded a Project to promote a greater awareness and understanding of our DMC issues. Through the dissemination of accurate information and the identification of proven initiatives, assistance is now available to aid communities to address DMC issues. The greatest number of these minority children are status and minor property offenders. When sought by a local community, there are often more effective, less costly alternatives to the prosecution and incarceration of many non-violent youngsters. By simply redirecting non-serious child offenders into alternatives that teach them positive life skills and emphasize the importance of education, many minority children will avoid contact with the juvenile justice system.

The DMC Information Resource Project is an initiative of the Children’s Law Center of the University of South Carolina School of Law. The goals of this Project include greater awareness of DMC issues within local communities throughout South Carolina, dissemination of accurate information, and encouragement of local strategies to address DMC. Sometimes there are misconceptions, misinformation, and emotional responses to this complex and sensitive issue. The DMC Project is based on factual information, analysis of verified data, and consideration of research-based programs. In participating communities, an analysis of local data and technical assistance will be offered to assist in the consideration of meaningful alternatives to over processing or jailing non-violent cases. The contact person for the DMC Project will initiate meetings with local leaders in counties seeking to learn more about this issue and will provide fact-based information regarding DMC. The plan is simple: local awareness of DMC issues and the pursuit of responsible community alternatives to the formal prosecution and jailing of minor cases will benefit all children, including minorities who are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system.

Contact Information:

For additional information about the DMC Information Resource Project, contact:
Christine G. Wallace, Program Manager – DMC Project
Children’s Law Center - University of South Carolina School of Law
Telephone: (803) 777- 4322
E-mail: cwallace@gwm.sc.edu

Local DMC statistics, program information, training, and written materials are available upon request.