NCJ Number
131483
Date Published
1989
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Information from 103 parolees and 118 offenders on mandatory supervision in Canada in 1985 formed the basis of an analysis of the predictive validity of a traditional risk assessment procedure to determine how a combination of risk and needs assessment might improve predictions of release outcome.
Abstract
Data came from the community case management files for each offender and covered demographics, juvenile history, index offenses, socioeconomic and psychological background, institutional adjustment, performance under community supervision, prior criminal history, and other factors. To determine the level of risk of recidivism, the researchers used the Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale retrospectively for each offender. Offender needs for employment, drug abuse treatment, or other services were determined using procedures parallel to those of the Wisconsin Assessment of Client Needs Scale. Results reconfirmed the ability of the risk assessment scale to predict outcome on parole, but called into question its predictive ability for offenders on mandatory supervision. In addition, outcomes were consistently related to identified needs. Finally, the combination of risk and needs assessments improved predictive efficiency. Figures, tables, 9 references, and appended scoring scales