Does Support for the OYAS Encourage Integrity in the Assessment Process?

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

Abstract

Juvenile justice practice is increasingly evidence-based. Assessment systems are a part of evidence-based practice when proven valid for a population. If an assessment lacks validity, agencies are less likely to invest in its development and maintenance. This paper investigates the extent to which support for the OYAS affects how end-users conduct the assessment, including length of interviews, use of collateral information, and the use of overrides of standardized risk levels. These responses will then be compared to the OYAS training protocol. We will also consider the extent to which that support may be affected by other elements of the implementation process. Implications for juvenile justice agencies will be discussed.

Authors

• Melissa Lugo, University of Cincinnati

• Josh Long, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Carrie Sullivan, University of Cincinnati