Reassessment of Juvenile Risk: An Application of Longitudinal Multilevel Modeling for Dynamic Risk

• In Event: Innovative Applications of Risk Assessment in the Juvenile Justice System

Abstract

Few studies have examined the reassessment of juvenile criminogenic risk over time. This study builds upon the limited, albeit growing, literature on dynamic juvenile risk by employing a longitudinal multilevel modeling approach. Risk assessment data were examined to test for within-person change in risk scores while under court supervision. The sample included 205 youth (level-2), each with four assessments 90 days apart (level-1) during their first year on probation. Findings suggest there is a curvilinear relationship between risk score and time: the greatest change in risk occurs during the first 90 days on probation and levels off for the remaining time youth are under court supervision. Directions for future research and implications for juvenile justice practice are discussed.

Authors

• Valerie Rose Anderson, University of Cincinnati

• Ashlee Barnes, Michigan State University

• Christina Campbell, University of Cincinnati

• William Davidson, Michigan State University