Risk assessment among juvenile offenders involves all the processes that can help to predict the possibility of future criminal activities and violence among minors. Risk assessment is normally conducted inside the juvenile justice system to forecast reoccurring offense risks and develop proper sentencing, custody, release, and counseling procedures (Vincent et al., 2018). Also, the outcome of a properly done risk assessment can have a consequential impact on the juvenile offender and the public's safety in general. Many law enforcement agencies have encountered a big challenge of properly managing and rehabilitating juvenile offenders while simultaneously protecting the public. As a result, the agencies embraced risk and needs assessment tools in their journey to revolutionize the juvenile justice system.
There are various types of risk assessment tools for juvenile offenders. The tools vary from brief screening instruments, used for early resolutions such as pre-adjudication detention, to comprehensive assessment tools. Information obtained from a validated, comprehensive assessment instrument can help juvenile justice professionals properly match a juvenile offender with the best supervision, diversion, and placement levels.
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The comprehensive assessment tools are typically used to determine risk factors and criminogenic needs, which can be resolved via intervention with rehabilitation services and treatment (Vincent et al., 2018). Comprehensive assessment tools also identify protective factors that are regarded as buffers that minimize risk factors and escalate social growth and development. They also identify responsive factors that may impact a youth's responsiveness to treatment and services.
In conclusion, risk assessment instruments are more reliable than clinical judgment. Clinical methods of assessment and decision making solely rely on the decision-maker. On the other hand, risk assessment tools are more statistical or actuarial, and they are not based on human thinking or judgment. In risk assessment tools, the final decision is based on the empirical foundation of the relationship between the outcome of the assessment and the event of interest.
Reference
Vincent, G., Sullivan, C. J., Sullivan, C., Guy, L., Latessa, E., Tyson, J., & Adams, B. (2018). Studying Drivers of Risk and Needs Assessment Instrument Implementation in Juvenile Justice . US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice, and Delinquency Prevention.
