Evaluation of the Resource-Risk-Inventory (RRI) and Following Interventions in the Probation and Parole Services of Baden-Wurttemberg

• In Event: Risk Assessments and Decision Making in Community Corrections

Abstract

In 2018, the Probation and Parole Services of Baden-Wurttemberg (“Bewährungs- und Gerichtshilfe Baden-Württemberg, BGBW“) adopted the so-called Resource-Risk-Inventory (RRI) as a diagnostic tool for their work with probationers and parolees. The RRI combines elements from both the risk-need-responsivity model (RNR) and the good lives model (GLM) for assessing the individual needs, resources and criminogenic factors of clients under supervision. The RRI outcomes are grouped into “green”, “yellow” and “red” scores and determine the level of support, potentially beneficial interventions and intensity of client interaction during the entire supervision period. The overall aim is to facilitate rehabilitation and prevent recidivism. So far, it remains unclear how and to what extent the RRI scores influences the probation and parole officers’ decision-making in terms of the (non-)implementation of relevant interventions in given cases. This study undertakes a qualitative evaluation of the link between the RRI score and subsequently assigned interventions. For that purpose, case files of clients with different criminal records are analyzed. Additionally, interviews with probation officers and clients are conducted in order to analyze the underlying decision-making processes in the application of the RRI and subsequent interventions. The presentation will highlight some of the key findings of this research.

Author

• Sarah Schreier, Institute of Criminology, University of Tuebingen (Germany)