Studying Drivers of Risk and Needs Assessment Instrument Implementation in Juvenile Justice
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
Abstract
This bulletin describes Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention supported research findings on factors that promote effective implementation
of risk and needs assessment instruments in the juvenile justice system. Quality
implementation has been shown to reduce reliance on formal system involvement
and decrease recidivism. Using a framework based in implementation science, the
authors analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to identify the following drivers
of successful implementation:
• Positive staff perceptions about the reliability, credibility, and applicability
of the instrument to the needs of their local jurisdictions.
• Engagement of staff and other stakeholders in the initial strategic
planning, goal setting, and problem solving to ensure early buy-in.
• A pilot period that focuses on training of staff and other stakeholders.
• Ongoing supervisory support and training.
• Standardized operating procedures and written policies in state and local
agencies and the ability to share information across multiple stakeholders.
• A strong data infrastructure, including both user-friendly technological
systems to support data collection and staff data expertise
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
juvenile justice, risk assessment, needs assessment, measurement
Citation
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. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.