Risk Assesment

Risk Assessment

An evaluation of a person's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning to guide decisions and interventions.

Criminogenic Risk Factors

Factors that are static and correlate with an increased risk of reoffending.

Dynamic Risk Factors

Factors that are changeable and can increase an offender's risk of reoffending.

Structured Professional Judgment (SPJ)

A 3rd generation approach to risk assessment that includes specific risk factors and allows for the consideration of case critical factors.

Actuarial Instruments

Tools that collect pre-specified risk factors and enter them into a statistical model for risk prediction.

Assessment Challenges

Issues that arise during assessment, including informed consent, limits of confidentiality, and building rapport.

Treatment Needs

Needs identified through assessment that become targets for treatment interventions.

PCL-R

Psychopathy Checklist-Revised, a tool used to assess psychopathic traits and predict violence risk.

Meta-Analysis

A statistical analysis that combines the results of multiple scientific studies for a comprehensive understanding.

Risk Management

Developing effective intervention strategies to manage the risk posed by offenders.

HCR-20

A structured professional judgment tool designed for violence risk assessment in criminal and psychiatric populations.

Recidivism

The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.

Static Risk Factors

Historical factors that do not change and are used in predicting future reoffending.

Dynamic Risk Management

The process of managing risks based on factors that can change over time.

Personal Support

The presence of supportive relationships that can act as protective factors against reoffending.

Effective Correctional Treatment

Intervention programs designed based on the principles of risk, need, and responsivity to reduce recidivism.

Substance Abuse

The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.

Need Principle

The principle that emphasizes targeting criminogenic needs to decrease recidivism.

Responsivity Principle

The principle stating that correctional intervention should match the learning styles of offenders.

Collateral Contacts

Information gathered from family or friends to supplement an assessment.

Self-reports

Reports or assessments provided by individuals about their own experiences or behaviors.