Does Level of Experience in the Field Influence Perceptions of Risk and Need Assessments?

• In Event: Implementation of a Statewide Risk and Needs Assessment Instrument: Views from the Field

Abstract

One of the major goals of any standardized risk and needs assessment instrument is to remove bias from the decision-making process. A number of factors, however, may influence practitioner perceptions and, ultimately, their support for the use of an actuarial-based instrument. There is a perception in the field that longer-tenured staff are more likely to be skeptical and/or less supportive of the use of such assessment instruments. This paper will explore responses from in-person, semi-structured interviews and web-based surveys of juvenile justice practitioners to assess support for the OYAS. Responses will be compared across experience level to examine possible differences in attitudes toward use of these tools and the use of overrides to extend discretion. Practice and policy implications for juvenile justice agencies will be identified.

Authors

• Gina N. Gibbs, University of Cincinnati

• Jennifer Lux, University of Cincinnati

• Edward J. Latessa, University of Cincinnati