Forensic Assessment Services Triage Team (FASTT) 2022-2023 Combined Evaluation

• In Event: Deflection and Diversion Collaborations in Northern Nevada

Abstract

FASTT teams follow the Risk-Needs-Responsivity model to assess client’s needs and responsivity factors. FASTT develops tailored case plans to divert connect incarcerated people with community resources upon release and ensure that clients have access to relevant services based on their identified needs. This study examined client data from four Nevada counties operating separate FASTT programs, including data from multiple risk assessment tools, including the Ohio Risk Assessment System’s Community Supervision Screening Tool (CSST), the Community Supervision Tool (CST). The study also includes limited data on outcomes for clients, including referrals to counseling, mental health services, and substance use treatment, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) groups and practice groups. Across the four counties, FASTT enrolled a total of 674 clients during the evaluation period. The majority of clients were stably housed, though nearly one third were unsheltered prior to incarceration. Few of the clients assessed with either tool scored low-risk, meaning that the majority of people screened would be appropriate for services. This paper details the population served, risk screening results, service connections, and other findings from the evaluation, and outlines several recommendations for program and data quality improvement.

Authors

• Brian Lee, University of Nevada, Reno

• Veronica Dahir, University of Nevada, Reno

• Jennifer Lanterman, University of Nevada, Reno