Risk and Needs Assessments Presented by: Edward J. Latessa, Ph.D. School of Criminal Justice University of Cincinnati Edward.Latessa@uc.edu www.uc.edu/criminaljustice

Assessment is the engine that drives effective correctional programs Need to meet the risk and need principle Reduces bias Aids decision making Helps better utilize resources Allows you to target dynamic risk factors and measure change

Risk Principle: “Who” to Target with Intensive Programs Target those offender with higher probability of recidivism Provide most intensive treatment to higher risk offenders Intensive treatment for lower risk offender can increase recidivism

Low Risk 1 out of 10 will re-offend You do not know which person will re-offend. Do you treat all 10 the same to make sure no one is missed? $$$$$$$$$ Treatment and Supervision Resources

High Risk 5 out of 10 will re-offend You do not know which person will re-offend. Do you treat all 10 the same to make sure no one is missed? $$$$$$$$$ Treatment and Supervision Resources

The Risk Principle & Correctional Intervention Results from Meta Analysis Dowden & Andrews, 1999

The Need Principle: The “What” to Target Assess & targeting criminogenic needs for change Criminogenic needs are those risk factors that are correlated with criminal conduct and can change Non-Criminogenic needs are those needs that offenders have that are not strongly correlated with criminal conduct, but maybe barriers

Need Principle Criminogenic Anti social attitudes Anti social friends Substance abuse Lack of empathy Impulsive behavior Lack of self-control Non-Criminogenic Housing Anxiety Low self esteem Creative abilities Medical needs Physical conditioning

Major Set of Risk/Need Factors Antisocial/pro-criminal attitudes, values, beliefs and cognitive emotional states Pro-criminal associates and isolation from anticriminal others Temperamental and anti social personality patterns conducive to criminal activity including: Weak socialization Impulsivity Adventurous Restless/aggressive Egocentrism A taste for risk Weak problem-solving/self-regulation & coping skills 4. A history of antisocial behavior

Major Set of Risk/Need Factors Cont. Familial factors that include criminality and a variety of psychological problems in the family of origin including Low levels of affection, caring, and cohesiveness Low levels of personal, educational, vocational, or financial achievement Low levels of involvement in prosocial leisure activities Substance Abuse

To Understand Assessment it is Important to Understand Types of Risk Factors

Dynamic and Static Factors Static Factors are those factors that are related to risk and do not change. Some examples might be number of prior offenses, whether an offender has ever had a drug/alcohol problem. Dynamic factors relate to risk and can change. Some examples are whether an offender is currently unemployed or currently has a drug/alcohol problem.

Family history of heart attacks Gender (males) Age (over 50) According to the American Heart Association, there are a number of risk factors that increase your chances of a first heart attack Family history of heart attacks Gender (males) Age (over 50) Inactive lifestyle Over weight High blood pressure Smoking High Cholesterol level

There are two types of dynamic risk factors Acute – Can change quickly Stable – Take longer to change

Dynamic Risk Factors and Their Importance Also called criminogenic needs Changing these factors changes the probability of recidivism Provide the basis for developing a treatment plan Address factors that will reduce risk Lead to public safety

Classification & Assessment of Offenders Primary measures have been identified Best predictors of criminal behavior: Static factors – past criminal behavior Dynamic factors – crime producing needs Best assessment method is the actuarial (statistical) approach Best practices allow for risk management and risk reduction through effective treatment Latest generation of instruments allow for measurement of change in offender

Some Examples of Assessment Tools

Wisconsin Risk & Need Assessment

Psychopathy Checklist (Hare Psychopathy) Glib/superficial charm Grandiose sense of self Stimulation seeking Pathological lying Conning/manipulation Lack of remorse/guilt Shallow affect Callousness/lack empathy Parasitic lifestyle Poor behavioral control Promiscuous sexual behavior Early behavioral problems Lack of realistic goals Impulsivity Irresponsibility Not accepting responsibility Many marital relationships Juvenile delinquency Conditional release revoked Criminal versatility

One New Non-Proprietary System is the ORAS The Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) consists of several instruments: Pretrial Community Supervision (plus screener) Prison Intake Reentry

ORAS-CST Intake Assessment

Finalized Report Barriers to Service VH High Med Low Low motivation to obtain employment Transportation—No valid license Mental Health—Needs evaluation High

Applying the Risk and Responsivity Principles High Contact Frequency More intensive interventions More targets for change Minimize exposure to low risk Use cost-benefit tools Set long-term goal(s) Motivational Interviewing strategies Help problem solve transportation Make referral/appointment to MH evaluation—making sure plan addresses transportation Barriers to Services Low motivation to change substance abuse behavior Transportation—No valid license Mental Health—Needs evaluation

Applying the Need Principle Disrupt criminal peer networks Increase prosocial contacts Employment readiness – Target attitudes that support employment Target attitudes towards driving w/o license What To Avoid Disrupting/Targeting Minimize conditions associated with these areas Monitor for compliance only Do Not Target with any Treatment Interventions unless circumstances change Increase prosocial attitudes Target Problem Solving Decrease attitudes supporting aggressiveness

Reliability is Very Important Are staff consistent in scoring? Inter-rater reliability Training Experience

Predictive Validity of the LSI-R & Assessor Experience with the Instrument

Some things to consider What do I want to use it for? Length of time needed to complete Training Cost Complexity When will it be done? Where will it be done? Who will do it? Level of staff commitment Is assessment reliable? Is assessment valid?

Build in Policies Around Professional Discretion Also known as the override principle Consider all the information and determine if placements dictated by assessment are the most appropriate Generally should not exceed 10%.

Some things to remember There is no “one size fits all” assessment tool some domains or types of offenders will require specialized assessments (such as sex offenders) use or purpose will vary Actuarial assessment is more accurate than clinical assessment, but no process is perfect Assessment helps guide decisions, doesn’t make them --professional discretion is part of good assessment Reliability is more difficult to achieve with dynamic instruments – requires training of staff and continual monitoring of assessment process