The University of Arkansas at Little Rock was awarded a seven-year contract with a state agency to study the seemingly disproportionate number of youths in the criminal justice system.
Under the contract, UALR will partner with the Department of Human Services' Youth Services Division to study the matter, according to a news release.
"We are pleased to partner with UALR as they study this population," Youth Services interim Director Betty Guhman said in a statement. "These data findings will provide meaningful and better ways to serve our youth by helping craft policies to ensure a bright future for minority youth and all of Arkansas."
The $526,374 contract will help the university take on two doctoral students annually for the seven years and give the study group travel stipends, according to a news release. The work will be led by Tusty ten-Bensel, an assistant professor of criminal justice, and James Golden, a professor of criminal justice.
Metro on 07/30/2016