Screenings and Assessments Used in the Juvenile Justice System - Juvenile Risk and Needs Screenings and Assessments

The December 2011 AOC Briefing provides a detailed overview of the risk and needs assessment instruments used in California's juvenile justice system, highlighting their application in evaluating juvenile offenders to guide interventions and treatment plans. The briefing discusses various standardized tools, such as the Back on Track (BOT), Positive Achievement Change Tool (PACT), and Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI), which assess factors like criminal history, family dynamics, and behavioral patterns to determine a youth's risk of reoffending and criminogenic needs. These instruments are essential for creating tailored rehabilitation strategies, ensuring resources are effectively allocated, and supporting the juvenile justice system's goal of reducing recidivism by addressing individual needs and risks through evidence-based practices.