Reassessing Risk, Engagement, and Innovation in Juvenile Probation Through the FORGE Framework

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Juvenile probation remains the most common disposition for justice-involved youth in the United States, yet critical gaps persist in how risk is assessed, how families are engaged, and how interventions support youth development. This symposium examines these issues through the Fostering Opportunities for Resiliency, Growth, and Empowerment (FORGE) framework, which integrates best practices from juvenile justice, developmental psychology, and social science to enhance youth outcomes.
First, Tom and Fine evaluate the predictive validity of Arizona’s mandated risk-needs assessment tool for youth on probation, assessing its ability to forecast recidivism—an essential first step in tailoring interventions aligned with FORGE principles. Next, Cross and Fine explore probation staff perspectives on family engagement across jurisdictions, presenting findings that informed the development of a tool to assess youth and parent engagement in case planning, reinforcing the importance of collaborative, strengths-based approaches. Finally, Richardson and Fine introduce evaluations of an innovative digital intervention, Journey.do, which operationalizes FORGE to enhance youth growth and resilience in justice settings.
Together, these studies illustrate how FORGE can guide more effective juvenile probation practices. By examining risk assessments, strengthening family partnerships, and leveraging technology to promote positive youth development, this symposium provides evidence-based recommendations to improve youth outcomes and inform policy.

Sub Unit

• Area II. Perspectives on Crime / 2. Developmental and Life Course Perspectives

Individual Presentations

• Testing the Predictive Validity of Arizona’s Risk-Needs Assessment for Youth on Juvenile Probation - Kelsey Tom, Arizona State University; Adam Fine, Arizona State University

• Strengthening Family Partnerships in Juvenile Probation: Findings from Staff Perspectives and Tool Development - Allison Cross, Arizona State University; Adam Fine, Arizona State University

• Utilizing Innovation: Preliminary Results of the Journey.do Evaluation - Justin Richardson, Arizona State University; Adam Fine, Arizona State University

Discussant

• Adam Fine, Arizona State University

Organized by a Division or external group?

Division of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology (DLC)