Deviance Theory, Black Youth and Mental Health Professionals.

The nature of some of the relationships and interactions between black youth and mental health professionals are explored by this paper. It is organized into the following four discussions: (1) a portrait of black youth, given as background information; (2) specific portions of deviance theory as it relates to black youth; (3) black youth as deviants; and (4) interactions between mental health professionals and black youth. It is concluded that black youth are in no need of any particular types of social interventions. What is at issue here is the role assigned to them by contemporary society. Inasmuch as they tend to be treated by persons who share negative attitudes about their values and life styles, this denies them access to equal justice and human dignity under the law. This problem is addressed by understanding. Understanding the social and psychological damage of negative stereotypes which black youth must contend with assures the good law enforcement professional and the effective mental health worker that their chances of success will be greatly improved when working with any population defined as deviant. (Author/AM)