Peer Reviewed and Invited Publications
#16
McCoy, H., & Pearson, E. (2019). Racial disparities in the juvenile justice system. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1288
Abstract
Racial disparities in the juvenile justice system, more commonly known as disproportionate minority contact (DMC), are the overrepresentation, disparity, and disproportionate numbers of youth of color entering and moving deeper into the juvenile justice system. There has been some legislative attention to the issue since the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (JJDPA) and most recently with attempts in 2017 to reauthorize the Act. Originally focused solely on confinement, it became clear by 1988 there was disproportionality at all decision points in the juvenile justice system, and the focus changed to contact. DMC most commonly is known to impact Black and Hispanic youth, but a closer look reveals how other youth of color are also impacted. Numerous factors have been previously identified that create DMC, but increasingly factors such as zero-tolerance in schools and proactive policing in communities are continuing to negatively impact reduction efforts. Emerging issues indicate the need to consider society’s demographic changes, the criminalization of spaces often occupied by youth of color, and gender differences when creating and implementing strategies to reduce DMC.
Can be accessed at doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.1288
#15
Scott, L. D., Jr., & McCoy, H. (2018). Correlates of somatic symptoms among African American males transitioning from a public system of care. American Journal of Men's Health, 12(2), 274-282 doi: 10.1177/1557988316630304
Abstract
Exploration of somatic symptoms and their correlates among adolescent and young adult African American males are limited in the empirical literature. In the current study, correlates of somatic symptoms among African American males (n = 74) transitioning from a public system of care, namely, foster care, was explored. Potential correlates assessed included indicators of child maltreatment, approach and avoidance coping strategies, as well as the following emotional and behavioral problems: oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, major depressive disorder, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Results indicated that meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder was related to increased somatic symptoms. In addition, greater use of seeking social support as a coping strategy was related to fewer somatic symptoms. The findings provide a good foundation for further exploration of individual, situational, and contextual factors that may influence the physiological and psychological stress responses of vulnerable populations of young African American males.
Can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316630304
#14
McCoy, H., Leverso, J., & Bowen, E. A. (2016). What the MAYSI-2 can tell us about anger/irritability and trauma. International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. doi: 10.1177/0306624X14555855
Abstract
The rate of experiencing trauma can be quite high for juvenile offenders and those experiences can lead to feelings of anger and irritability. This study uses Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument version 2 (MAYSI-2) data to examine the relationship between the Traumatic Experiences and Angry-Irritable scales for juvenile offenders (n=1,348) from a Midwest detention center. Chi square analyses revealed statistically significant relationships between the Angry-Irritable scale and gender, race, and the Traumatic Experiences scale. In addition, ordinal logistic regression results showed that as the number of traumatic experiences increased so did the odds of scoring Caution or Warning on the Angry-Irritable scale. Recommendations are that juvenile justice systems utilize a trauma informed process throughout the adjudicatory process and there be improved efforts to coordinate services across multiple systems, such as child welfare and special education, where juvenile offenders are often engaged.
Can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X14555855
#13
Tapia, M., McCoy, H., & Tucker, L. (2016). Suicidal ideation in juvenile arrestees: Exploring legal and temporal factors. Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, 14(4), 468-483. doi: 10.1177/1541204015579522
Abstract
Mental health screening data (Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument version 2 [MAYSI-2]) and offense history were used to study levels of suicidal ideation in a sample of juvenile arrestees held in a large, urban detention center located in a predominately Hispanic Southwestern U.S. city. We used t-tests and multinomial logistic regression to examine the relationships with particular attention to temporal issues. Results indicated that offense history, the timing of arrests, and demographics did influence levels of suicide ideation. We discuss these findings, strengths and limitations, and directions for future research.
Can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1177/1541204015579522
#12
Scott, Jr. L. D. & McCoy, H. (2015). Negative social contextual stressors and somatic symptoms among young Black males: An exploratory study. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 25(8), 885-896. doi: 10.1080/10911359.2015.1039155
Abstract
This study examines whether negative social contextual stressors were associated with somatic symptoms among young Black males (N = 74) after accounting for background and psychological characteristics. Using Cunningham and Spencer’s Black Male Experiences Measure, negative social contextual stressors connoted those experiences connected to the personal attributes, devaluation, and negative imagery of young Black males, such as being followed when entering a store or police or security guards asking them what they are doing when hanging out (e.g., in the park or playground or on the street corner). Results showed that such stressors made a unique and significant contribution to the experience of somatic symptoms. Future research directions and implications for addressing the larger societal perceptions of young Black males are discussed.
Can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2015.1039155
#11
McCoy, H., & Bowen, E. A. (2015). Hope in the social environment: Factors affecting future aspirations and school self-efficacy for youth in urban environments. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s10560-014-0343-7
Abstract
Having a sense of hope and aspirations for the future are often conceptualized as components of resilience for youth in urban environments. However, less is known about the factors that may influence how young people develop their future aspirations, and how those aspirations may impact their experiences at school. This study uses structural equation modeling to identify some potential pathways through which parental relationships and neighborhood environments may impact perceptions of future success and associations between future aspirations and self-efficacy in school settings for adolescents in urban environments. Data from a self-efficacy questionnaire completed by 489 participants in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (mean age 17.2) were used to test the fit of our conceptual model. The analyses indicated strong relationships among the variables and a robust model fit, as assessed by multiple fit indices. The findings suggest that several factors, including neighborhood safety and supportive parental relationships, can help youth maintain hope for the future and that such future aspirations can bolster adolescents’ sense of self-efficacy in school. Implications of these findings for social work theory, practice, policy, and research are described.
Can be accessed at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10560-014-0343-7
#10
McCoy, H. (2014). Using cognitive interviewing to explore causes for racial differences on the MAYSI-2. Crime and Delinquency, 60(5), 647- 666. doi: 10.1177/0011128710388922
Abstract
Prior research indicated that African American and Caucasian youth respond differently to items on the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument–Version 2 (MAYSI-2), a mental health screening tool used nationwide in juvenile justice systems, thus possibly affecting mental health need identification. To explore the cause for the differences, cognitive interviews were conducted with eight African American and eight Caucasian male juvenile detainees, aged 12 to 16 years, from two Midwestern detention facilities. Results indicate differences in how both groups interpreted certain mental health symptoms and the dimension of time. Both groups also similarly misinterpreted and were suspicious of some items. To address these issues, the MAYSI-2 could benefit from further examination and development.
Can
be accessed at http://cad.sagepub.com/content/60/5/647
#9
McCoy, H., Vaughn, M. G., Maynard, B. R., & Salas-Wright, C. P. (2014). Caution or warning? A validity study of the MAYSI-2 with juvenile offenders. Behavioral Sciences and the Law, 32(4), 508-526. doi 10.1002/bsl.2128
Abstract
Given the high prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders in the juvenile justice system and the emphasis on efficient screening and referrals, the current study sought to further validate the use of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument version 2 (MAYSI-2). Using data from institutionalized delinquents (N=836) committed to the California Youth Authority, finite mixture modeling was employed to identify distinct latent classes based on MAYSI-2 scale scores. Identified classes were then compared across a range of covariates, including prior offenses, official records of misconduct, and multiple measures of mental health and psychological well-being. Findings revealed a three-class, gradient-based structure: low distress (n=380), moderate distress (n = 327), and high distress (n=129). Overall, the MAYSI-2 identified juvenile offenders with mental health and substance use issues, but it did not differentiate youths with respect to offending patterns.
Can be accessed at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/bsl.2128/abstract
#8
McCoy, H. (2011). A path analysis of factors influencing racial differences on the MAYSI-2. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 50(3), 119-141. doi 10.1080/10509674.2011.560549
Abstract
Thousands of juveniles with mental health disorders enter the juvenile justice system every year. The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version 2 (MAYSI-2) is often used to assess them. The disproportionate numbers of African American youth in the juvenile justice system and the large numbers of youth with mental health needs necessitate accurate screening across racial groups, but recent evidence indicates that groups may be interpreting MAYSI-2 items differently. A total of 90 male juvenile detainees participated in a structured interview exploring what factors might mediate race and impact MAYSI-2 scores. Results confirmed which factors influence MAYSI-2 scores for African American participants.
Can be accessed at http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10509674.2011.560549?journalCode=wjor20#.U__tJWPImj4
#7
Scott, Jr., L.D., McCoy, H., Munson, M. R., Snowden, L. R., McMillen, J. C. (2010). Cultural mistrust of mental health professionals among Black males transitioning from foster care. Journal of Child and Family Studies. Advance online publication. doi 10.1007/s10826-010-9434-z
Abstract
We examined cultural mistrust of mental health professionals among Black males who are transitioning from the foster care system (N = 74) and its relationship to their level of satisfaction with child welfare services and the frequency of negative social contextual experiences. Results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that the level of satisfaction with child welfare services moderated the relationship between negative social contextual experiences and cultural mistrust of mental health professionals. Specifically, more frequent negative social contextual experiences were related to greater cultural mistrust of mental health professionals for Black males reporting low satisfaction with child welfare services, but not for those reporting high satisfaction with child welfare services. Implications for service delivery are discussed.
Can be accessed at http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10826-010-9434-z
#6
Gattis, M. N., Morrow-Howell, N., McCrary, S., Lee, M. Y., Jonson-Reid, M., McCoy, H., et al. (2010). Examining the effects of New York Experience Corps® Program on Young Readers. Literacy Research and Instruction, 49(4), 299-314.
Abstract
There are hundreds of tutoring programs that utilize community volunteers being implemented across the country; however, there are few rigorous efforts to evaluate their effectiveness. This article presents findings on reading achievement from an evaluation of the New York City Experience Corps®, a program that uses older volunteers to work with students in public elementary schools. Two hundred and eighty-eight first- and second-grade students participated in a pre-test/post-test two group design with randomization to assess the impact of the program on their reading abilities. Reading was assessed using the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) and Early Childhood Literary Assessment System (ECLAS). Results indicate that Experience Corps is effective at improving reading scores. This study provides evidence that older volunteers can be successfully utilized to tutor young readers.
Can be accessed at http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a926942967
#5
McCoy, H., McMillen, J. C., & Spitznagel, E. L. (2008). Older youth leaving the foster care system: Who, what, when, where, and why? Children and Youth Services Review, 30(7), 735-745.
Abstract
Little research has systematically examined the transition process out of the foster care system for older youth, especially in states where youth can stay past age 18. This study uses mixed-methods data from 404 youth from Missouri, interviewed nine times between ages 17 and 19 to explore five questions. Who exits before age 19 and who stays? When do they exit? Where do they go? What are the circumstances of their exits? Do they want to exit and if so, why? Youth, especially those with externalizing behavior problems, left before they were required, often abruptly and dissatisfied with the foster care system. A large number of youth returned to their biological homes and those that remained in the system often lived in their own apartments. Efforts are needed to make remaining in care tolerable to youth who want to stay and transitioning out of care for those who want to leave a positive, thoughtful experience.
Can also be accessed at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2504335/
#4
Duncan, G. & McCoy, H. (2007). Black adolescent identity and respectability. The Negro Educational Review, 58(1-2), 35-48.
Abstract
A brief narrative description of the journal article, document, or resource.A stage model of Black adolescent racial identity from the perspective of its use by educational researchers in the United States who employ it to explain the academic and social decisions that Black youth make in secondary schools was examined. Researchers often draw on stage models to explicitly challenge forms of White dominance in studies conducted with and about Black students. However, we posit that the ethics that inform this body of work are constrained by an ideology of respectability. We argue that respectability undermines the capacity of much of Black adolescent racial identity research to inform policies and practices that fully affirm Black humanity and support Black student academic success. We conclude with a discussion of the significance of racial identity research about Black youth populations.
Is referred to at http://eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/detail?accno=EJ777560
#3
McCoy, H. & McKay, C. (2006). Preparing social workers to identify and integrate culturally affirming bibliotherapy into treatment. Social Work Education, 25(7), 680-693.
Abstract
Despite gains in redefining America as a 'salad bowl' versus a 'melting pot', stereotypes about racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans, remain embedded in the fabric of the United States. By acknowledging the significance of stereotypes, race, and culture on the lives of clients, culturally affirming bibliotherapy is a tool that can empower them, validate their experiences, and promote the development of a positive self-identity or self-concept. This paper focuses on its use with African American youth, however, because, race impacts all individuals of African descent, this tool can and should be incorporated into their treatment as well when deemed appropriate.
Can be accessed at http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a758312785
#2
McCoy, H. (2005). [Invited review of the book The Criminal Justice System and Women (3rd. ed.)] Affilia, 20(2), 253-254.
Can be accessed at http://aff.sagepub.com/content/20/2/253.citation
#1
McCoy, H. (2005). [Invited review of the book Black Women, Identity, and Cultural Theory: (Un)becoming the Subject] Affilia, 20(1), 119-120.
Can be accessed at http://aff.sagepub.com/content/20/1/119.citation
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