Commissioners Address Racial Disparities and Educational Needs in Youth Programs

The Board of County Commissioners for Douglas County, Nebraska, convened on February 4, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to youth services and educational needs within the community. The meeting highlighted significant disparities in racial demographics between the Douglas County Youth Center and the Juvenile Assessment and Coordination Center (JACC), as well as the importance of educational support for at-risk youth.

Commissioner Cavanaugh raised concerns regarding the demographic composition of the youth served by these facilities. He noted that approximately 90% of the youth at the center are children of color, which starkly contrasts with the overall community demographics. He pointed out that while the youth center has a 56% representation of Black youth, the JACC reports only 35%. This discrepancy raises questions about the accessibility and equity of services provided to different racial groups.

In response, officials acknowledged the long-standing nature of these disparities but could not provide a definitive explanation for the differences in racial representation between the two facilities. They emphasized that the youth they serve are determined by various factors, including referrals and community needs.

The discussion also touched on recidivism rates among youth. Commissioner Cavanaugh requested clarification on the recidivism definitions used by the youth center and JACC, noting that the youth center reported a rate of approximately 41%. Officials agreed to provide further data to facilitate a better comparison.

Commissioner Borgeson highlighted the educational challenges faced by youth in these facilities, particularly the need for enhanced educational programs. She pointed out that 76.12% of children are identified as at risk due to educational deficiencies. The JACC has implemented several programs aimed at improving educational outcomes and fostering positive peer relationships among youth.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from officials to provide additional data on recidivism and to continue addressing the educational needs of at-risk youth in Douglas County. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable services and support for all youth in the community.