Date of Conferral

9-23-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Kimberley Blackmon

Abstract

Disproportionate minority contact (DMC) remains a significant concern within the juvenile justice system, yet its connection to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among minority youth is underexamined. Nationally, minority youth, particularly Black youth, are disproportionately represented compared to their White peers, prompting efforts to understand and address racial and ethnic disparities in system involvement. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between DMC and ACEs within the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD). Guided by general strain theory (GST), whether traumatic life experiences contribute to the disproportionate representation of minority youth was examined. The central research question was designed to examine if exposure to ACEs significantly increased the likelihood of disproportionate juvenile justice contact among minority youth in Texas. De-identified, secondary aggregated data from TJJD, including trauma screenings administered to both minority and nonminority youth upon system entry, were used. Data analyses included descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation with a two-tailed significance test to assess the relationship between ACEs and DMC. The key findings demonstrate trauma is experienced and reported differently across racial groups, with system-related ACEs being especially prevalent among Black youth. Recommendations included expanding ACEs screening tools to address structural and racialized trauma to culturally responsive and race-conscious training. Implications for social change included promoting equitable decision-making practices, addressing trauma-related risk factors among minority youth, and reducing the criminalization of Black youth through more informed, trauma-responsive approaches.

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