A social work policy analysis of California Proposition 21 and its disproportionate impact on disadvantaged youth.

摘要

The purpose of this policy analysis was to examine the implications of California's Proposition 21, which requires juveniles ages 14 and older to be tried in adult court for felony offenses or gang related crimes. This policy also implements strict gang regulations so as to minimize the high rate of gang involvement in communities. In addition, it includes more definitions for serious and violent felonies thus falling under the "Three Strikes Law."; The researcher used secondary review of existing literature and data to analyze Proposition 21. The analysis begins with a historical and legislative overview of the issues surrounding juvenile crime in California and the United States. A comprehensive policy analysis of the proposition was presented using Gil's (1992) policy analysis framework.; Based on the findings of this policy analysis the researcher concluded that Proposition 21 unintentionally impacts minority youth, lower socioeconomic status youth, and youth with mental health needs at a disproportionate level.