Development and Integration of the Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision (IDRACS) and the Needs Assessment and Case Planning Extensions

• In Event: Probation Reform: Through Legislation and Agency Action

Abstract

One of the main challenges of community supervision is to effectively address criminogenic needs and responsivity factors with relevant services and programs when resources are limited for a large supervised population. This study summarizes the development and integration of two tools for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision (DCS): the Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision (IDRACS) and the IDRACS needs assessment extension. The IDRACS risk assessment is time-specific predictive tool that estimates the risk of rearrest and revocation for individuals on felony probation or parole. The IDRACS needs assessment is an agency-initiated companion tool that identifies the criminogenic and responsivity factors and generates case plans with matched services and providers. The project involves the following steps: (1) data management and model application for accurate predictions; (2) risk model integration into the DCS case management system, (3) needs assessment tool development based on measurement testing, case file review, and qualitative data collection; and (4) case planning tool development based on service categorization and inventory maintenance. The study demonstrates how the IDRACS risk assessment and the IDRACS needs assessment can be used together to inform supervision and service decisions based on the individual's risk level, needs profile, and available resources.

Authors

• Christopher Scott Inkpen, RTI International

• Nicholas Powell, Georgia Department of Community Supervision

• Bria Cross, Georgia Department of Community Supervision