Differentiating Predictive Validity and Practical Utility for the Australian Adaptation of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 820-839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. McGrath ◽  
Anthony P. Thompson ◽  
Jane Goodman-Delahunty

The predictive validity for the Australian Adaptation of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory was tested in a large sample ( N = 4,401) of community-based juvenile offenders in New South Wales, Australia. First, we compared gender and ethnic subgroups on domain, total scores, and predictive validity. Both similarities and modest differences emerged in mean scores across subgroups. The pattern of predictive validity results showed comparable indices by gender and ethnic subgroups. Second, we supplemented our quantitative method with a review of 26 case files with the lowest risk scores and a 1-year reoffense, and 25 case files with the highest risk scores and no 1-year reoffense. We discuss implications of the findings for improving the predictive validity and practical utility of risk–need assessment with juvenile offenders.

Author(s):  
Aitana Gomis-Pomares ◽  
Lidón Villanueva ◽  
Juan E. Adrián

Despite the increasing interest in the accuracy of youth risk assessment tools, the amount of research with ethnic minorities remains relatively modest. For this reason, the main goal of this study was to assess the predictive validity and disparate impact of the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) in a Spanish ethnic minority. The participants consisted of 88 Roma youth offenders and 135 non-Roma youth offenders, aged between 14 and 17 years old. Their risk of recidivism was assessed by means of the YLS/CMI Inventory and their recidivism rate was obtained from the Juvenile Justice Department. Results showed that the Inventory presented slightly lower predictive validity for the Roma group. Moreover, Roma juveniles presented higher risk scores and lower strength scores than non-Roma juveniles. These results supported the idea that professionals must therefore be aware of these cultural differences in predictive validity and the existent potentiality for disparate impact.


2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Schmidt ◽  
Robert D. Hoge ◽  
Lezlie Gomes

The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) is a structured assessment tool designed to facilitate the effective intervention and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders by assessing each youth’s risk level and criminogenic needs. The present study examined the YLS/CMI’s reliability and validity in a sample of 107 juvenile offenders who were court-referred for mental health assessments. Results demonstrated the YLS/CMI’s internal consistency and interrater reliability. Moreover, the instrument’s predictive validity was substantiated on a number of recidivism measures for both males and females. Limitations of the current findings are discussed.


2011 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 541-553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melinda D. Schlager ◽  
Daniel Pacheco

The Level of Service Inventory—Revised (LSI-R) is an actuarially derived risk assessment instrument with a demonstrated reputation and record of supportive research. It has shown predictive validity on several offender populations. Although a significant literature has emerged on the validity and use of the LSI-R, no research has specifically examined change scores or the dynamics of reassessment and its importance with respect to case management. Flores, Lowenkamp, Holsinger, and Latessa and Lowenkamp and Bechtel, among others, specifically identify the importance and need to examine LSI-R reassessment scores. The present study uses a sample of parolees ( N = 179) from various community corrections programs that were administered the LSI-R at two different times. Results indicate that both mean composite and subcomponent LSI-R scores statistically significantly decreased between Time 1 and Time 2. The practical, theoretical, and policy implications of these results are discussed.


Author(s):  
Jordan Papp ◽  
Christina A. Campbell ◽  
Valerie R. Anderson

Bonta and Andrews suggest that there are eight factors that predict recidivism among offenders, which they call the “Central Eight.” They split up the Central Eight into the “Big Four” and the “Moderate Four,” with the Big Four hypothesized to be more strongly associated with recidivism than the Moderate Four. The purpose of this study was to assess the incremental validity of the Moderate Four relative to the Big Four as they are measured on the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI). The sample comprised 2,436 youth between the ages of 9 and 18 ( M = 14.34) in the formal probation and truancy division from a juvenile county court in the Midwest. Recidivism was measured as a new petition filed against a youth in court within 2 years of a youth’s initial offense. Results indicated that the Moderate Four predictors provided no incremental validity beyond the Big Four but did not reduce the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document