Risk/Needs Assessment Within the Criminal Justice System

History of Risk/Needs Assessments in Criminal Justice 1840’s Boston shoemaker-John Augustus (Father of Probation) “Object of the law is to reform criminals and prevent crime, and not to punish maliciously or from a spirit of revenge.” Gathered background information about an offender’s life and criminal history.

History (cont.) If determined worthy, would provide bail money out of his own pocket (Risk). Would assist in finding employment and housing (Needs). Appear at sentencing with a detailed report to the Judge on the person’s performance. Make recommendations for sentence.

Presentence reports Probation developed and was tasked with completing presentence reports for the Court. Information included: offense details, prior criminal history, personal and family data, offender characteristics, an assessment and recommendation for sentence. Useful information, but not a validated risk/needs assessment.

Modern Risk/Needs assessment Development of actuarial risk assessment scales (1980’s) Better at predicting criminal behavior than professional judgment. Evidence based practices: Risk-Need- Responsivity (Andrews & Bonta 1990’s)

Risk Principle Identify high risk offenders using a valid/reliable actuarial based instrument. Target higher risk offenders for more intensive treatment, services, and supervision. Avoid including lower risk offenders in high intensity programs; may increase their risk for failure.

Risk Assessment Use actuarial methods to assess dynamic and static risk factors. Dynamic risk factors should be linked to an individualized case plan. Risk assessments should be used as an ongoing measure of success and failure.

Needs Principle Identify and target crimogenic needs (dynamic risk factors) Attitudes, values, beliefs (Cognitions) Peer associations Personality Education/Employment Substance abuse

Responsivity Best rehabilitative interventions based on Cognitive Behavioral model Manualized programs (i.e.: MRT, T4C, etc.) Skills Training Homework requiring application of new skills Individualized Collaborative relationship

Assessment Time Frames Pretrial Risk Assessment: determine risk of flight or harm on release. Presentence Risk Assessment: determine appropriate conditions of probation/ supervised release. Post Conviction Risk Assessment: identify crimogenic needs to develop individualized case plan.

Supervision Tracks based on Risk/Needs assessment High Need/High Risk Court status calendar Substance abuse treatment Cognitive Behavioral Programs Focus consequences on treatment and supervision High Need/Low Risk Noncompliance calendar Substance abuse treatment Cognitive Behavioral Programs Focus consequences on treatment Low Need/High Risk Court status calendar Cognitive Behavioral Programs Focus on consequences on abstinence and supervision Marlowe, D. B. (2009) Low Need/Low Risk Noncompliance calendar Prevention services Focus consequences on abstinence