Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects, Evidence-Based Practices: Screening and Assessment

• NCJ Number: 250469
• Author(s): Shelli B. Rossman; Janeen Buck Willison; Christine Lindquist; Jennifer H Walters; Pamela K. Lattimore
• Date Published: December 2016
• Length: 29 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2012-RY-BX-0001
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Study/Research); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Evaluation; Program Description (Demonstrative)
• Award: Evaluation of the FY2011 Bureau of Justice Assistance Second Chance Act Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects (Focus Area 2)

Annotation

This report describes the use of screening and assessment for criminogenic risks and needs of adult offenders reentering their communities after incarceration in demonstration sites receiving grants under the Second Chance Act (SCA) Adult Offender Reentry Demonstration Projects (AOROPS) for fiscal year 2011.

Abstract

Findings are based on information collected in 2014 through semi-structured interviews with AORDP staff and organizational partners, as well as through an online survey completed by key reentry stakeholders at each demonstration site. The study found that all seven demonstration sites used risk/needs assessment tools in identifying eligible participants, engaged in reentry/transition planning, and guided the delivery of services to participants. Five of the seven sites used screening and risk/needs assessment before their demonstration projects began. Many sites used widely recognized, validated tools in conducting screening and risk/needs assessments; however, some sites developed and validated local tools specific to their target populations. Sites' assessment practices mostly aligned with core correctional principles except for reassessment. The research literature recommends regular reassessment of criminogenic risk and needs, so as to measure progress and realign service goals; few sites reported regular reassessment of such factors. The online survey data collected from 214 criminal justice and community-based human service stakeholders indicated broad support for risk/needs assessment and the use of assessment results to inform reentry and discharge planning. Appendixes present a summary of each grantee's program model, the principles for effective intervention, and the Second Chance Act logic model. 32 references and 1 exhibit