Risk and Needs Assessment as a Guide for Treating Youth with Mental Health and Substance Use Problems: Evaluating Theorized Treatment Matching

• In Event: Contemporary Questions in Juvenile Risk and Needs Assessment: Results from a Multi-Site Study

Abstract

Juvenile justice agencies across the United States have implemented risk and needs assessment tools, but there are gaps in understanding how those scores are used in order to improve case outcomes. In theory, the assessment is intended to inform the system’s intervention strategy, improving effectiveness in reducing recidivism. Still, relatively little research has examined whether these theorized processes hold in practice. Using data from a larger study, we examine the association between identified needs and risks from the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS) disposition tool, specifically substance use and mental health indicators. We also measure services received, and case dispositions. Case records were drawn from randomly selected counties and cases in two states. The analysis focuses on two main objectives: (a) examines indicators of substance use and mental health problems based on an assessment and (b) links that to the services received. The discussion will focus on the implications of general risk and needs assessment for success in treating mental health and substance use problems in justice-involved youths.

Authors

• Holly Lonergan, University of Cincinnati

• Derek John Mueller, University of Cincinnati

• Catherine Strange, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati