Profile Analysis and Risk Assessment: Identifying Distinct Patterns of Risks and Needs

Abstract

The goal of this study was to identify distinct and meaningful profiles of the seven criminogenic risk and need domains included on the Ohio Youth Assessment System—Disposition Tool (OYAS-DIS). This goal was accomplished by conducting a latent profile analysis (LPA) on a sample of 4,383 formally processed justice-involved youth assessed by the OYAS-DIS. The LPA determined there were six distinct profiles: (1) Low risk and need, (2) Low/moderate risk and need, (3) Low risk/need with high juvenile justice history, (4) Academic, mental health, and substance use needs, (5) Prosocial skills and decision making, and (6) High risk and need. Results may help juvenile justice practitioners to identify and address specific intervention needs of adjudicated youth.

Resolving the paradox of juvenile drug courts: How matching substance abuse needs with juvenile court services reduces recidivism

“…Academic research such as the present study can be useful in developing juvenile needs profiles (D'Amato et al, 2021; Campbell et al, 2019; Walker et al, 2016). The fact that a juvenile has been involved in the juvenile court system previously or has a substance abuse history is important information used in a risk assessment, but it might also be used to more specifically tailor treatment in a way that is more successful than what practitioners are currently doing.…”