Ta’Sha Charles-Camara, BAPS, BSW, MSW a wife, daughter and sister received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Political Science from Ohio Dominican University in 2020. While in her Undergraduate studies Ta’Sha was admitted into the Ohio State University where she obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work with an area of focus in Social and Community Justice, in 2022. Ta’Sha is currently a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work with a concentration in Administrative Leadership. Charles-Camara is the Program Coordinator for the Office of Justice Policy and Programs for Franklin County Board of Commissioners, where she creates program curriculum for incarcerated women. The 2025 Capstone project will highlight racial and ethnic disparities in the juvenile justice system and propose solutions to address systemic racism. A large portion of her research interest involves criminal justice reform and re-entry initiatives that impact marginalized people of color. Ta’Sha currently sits on the Columbus Urban League Young Professional Executive Board as the Civic Engagement Chair. A large amount of Charles-Camara’s interest have been centered around the betterment of her people and the communities that have had a helping hand in raising her. Ta’Sha recognizes that without Allah (God) she would not have been able to endure such a rigorous program, Charles-Camara gives all glory to Allah.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Ta’Sha Charles-Camara
BAPS, BSW, MSW, DSW Candidate
Shadows of Justice: Unveiling Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Juvenile Justice System
Concentration - Administrative Leadership
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -
- 4:00 pm
Abstract
Racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system foster significant barriers for marginalized adolescents of color, which leads to challenges that carry into emerging adulthood. This capstone serves as a call to action for Social Workers at every level of the ecological system – micro (adolescents and familial support), mezzo (facilities and communities), and macro (advocacy within the realms of the justice system)—to address these disparities and attenuate their long-term impact. The collective papers examine the ways racial bias influences the adjudication and sentencing process, contributing to disproportionate outcomes for adolescents of color.
Highlighting systemic inequalities, this capstone motivates Social Workers to engage in policy change, advocacy and direct support to reduce racial disparities in the juvenile justice system. The overall goal is to create a more unbigoted system, promoting equitable treatment for all justice involved adolescents; regardless of background. Lastly, this capstone aims to advocate for systemic change that addresses the current issues of racial and ethnic disparities.