Screenings and Assessments Used in the Juvenile Justice System - Evaluating Risks and Needs of Youth in the Juvenile Justice System

The February 2011 AOC Briefing provides an in-depth look at the various screening and assessment instruments used within the juvenile justice system to evaluate the risks and needs of youth. It discusses the importance of using standardized, validated tools to ensure consistent and accurate assessments, which can guide decisions about treatment and placement, and highlights the differences between screening (a brief, initial evaluation) and assessment (a more comprehensive analysis). Additionally, the briefing emphasizes the necessity of selecting appropriate tools that are evidence-based and culturally relevant, and it outlines considerations for the implementation and administration of these instruments to ensure they are used effectively and ethically.