The “Enthusiasm Gap”: Examining the Influence of Professional Role on Perceptions of the Usefulness of Risk and Need Assessments.

• In Event: Implementing Evidence-Based Policy and Practice in Juvenile Justice: An Assessment of Varied Initiatives and Outcomes.

Abstract

Juvenile justice agencies use standardized risk assessment to reduce bias in the decision-making process. Certain characteristics may influence practitioners’ perceptions of risk assessment, and ultimately, their support for using an actuarial-based instrument. There is a perception in the field that direct service providers (i.e., front line staff) are less supportive of actuarial assessment instruments than agency administrators. This paper explores responses from 217 in-person, semi-structured interviews of juvenile justice practitioners across three states in the Midwest and Southwest, to assess perceptions of the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS). Interview questions focus on agency and staff characteristics, general approach to youth assessment, implementation practices, and youth assessment practices. Responses are examined across job type—especially planning and administrative staff and line staff—to compare and contrast perceptions of the necessity, accuracy, and usefulness of the OYAS. The discussion will focus on preliminary implications for juvenile justice policy and the implementation of evidence-based practices more generally.

Authors

• Clare Strange, University of Cincinnati

• Carrie Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Leah Butler, University of Cincinnati

• Melissa Lugo, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Jamie Newsome, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute