Juvenile Risk and Needs Assessment, Case-Level Decisions, and Youth Outcomes: Assessing the Assumed Mediation Process

• In Event: Juvenile Risk and Needs Assessment: Results from a Multi-State Study of Implementation, Case Processing, and Outcomes

Abstract

Risk and needs assessment is now widely utilized throughout the juvenile justice system. Previous research has explored the utility of risk assessment for reducing juvenile recidivism, but less is known about its effective implementation. Theoretically, risk assessments should be used to guide placement and case management decisions made by juvenile practitioners, leading to reductions in recidivism. Yet little research has examined if this process is followed in practice. Instead, the tendency has been to look at the relationship between risk and recidivism (i.e., predictive validity), with limited exploration of the mediating processes that are intended to occur. This study will examine the impact of risk assessment scores on treatment assignment and recidivism rates in a sample of youth involved with the juvenile justice system. Youth were assessed using the Ohio Youth Assessment System (OYAS) Disposition Tool, a widely used and empirically-validated 33 item risk assessment. Treatment referral, case disposition, and recidivism data were obtained through official court and correctional agency records. In addition to exploring the relationship of risk assessment, treatment assignment, and recidivism, future directions and implications for practice are also discussed.

Authors

• Amber Mandalari, University of Cincinnati

• Christopher Sullivan, University of Cincinnati

• Jamie Newsome, University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute

• Melissa Lugo, University of Cincinnati

• Catherine Strange, University of Cincinnati

• Derek John Mueller, University of Cincinnati