Action for Children strives to identify, share and promote evidence-based programs to reduce disproportionate minority contact (DMC) in the criminal justice systems. DMC refers to the overrepresentation of youth of color at various points in the criminal justice process. Racial disparity runs through every major system impacting a child's life.

Racial disparity runs through every major system impacting a child’s life, including access to health care; lack of early and quality preschool opportunities; children languishing in foster care for permanent families; and failing schools with zero tolerance policies that suspend, expel and push more children into juvenile facilities and adult prison.

All alleged offenders should receive fair treatment at each point of contact with the system, regardless of their race or ethnicity. All services, hearings, and decisions should be handled in an unbiased manner. When over-representation is found, resources should be available to examine whether these youths are treated differently or have unequal access to services. This should allow decision makers to better acknowledge problems and address disparities and practices.