Risk & Needs Assessment
Washington State Risk & Needs Assessment
The risk assessment is part of a case management process initiated by the Juvenile Court Administrators of Washington State in 1997.
The Juvenile Court Administrators, in collaboration with the Washington State Institute for Public Policy, developed a risk/needs assessment tool to assist Probation Counselors in determining the level of risk for re-offending, identifying targets for intervention, developing a case management plan, and monitoring progress in reducing risk factors. The assessment is called Positive Achievement Change Tool (PACT).
PACT measures risk and protective factors in several domains, including criminal history, school, use of free time, employment, relationships, family, alcohol and drugs, mental health, attitudes, behavior, aggression, and skills. With the youth’s input, priority goals and tasks are established based on the youth’s criminogenic needs. Target dates are established and throughout community supervision progress is monitored and goals are continually altered.
PACT identifies the youth’s eligibility for Juvenile Court’s evidenced based programs. These programs have been researched and proven effective in reducing future crime.
Aggression Replacement Training
Aggression Replacement Training (ART) is an intensive life skills curriculum. Youth involved in ART learn skills that give them the ability to solve problems, make decisions, and interact positively in social situations. ART is comprised of three components:
- Anger Control
- Moral Reasoning
- Social Skills
Functional Family Therapy
Functional Family Therapy (FFT) is a structured family-based intervention that uses a multi-step approach to enhance protective factors and reduce risk factors in the family.
Education and Employment Training
EET is a joint project with Juvenile Court, Next Generation Work Source and The Associated General Contractors of America. The program provides young offenders with job readiness classes, work experience, and education transition services, which may include GED testing.
Coordination of Services
COS is a 12-hour educational program for low-risk offenders and their parent/guardian. The program relies on community partnerships to provide information about services available in the community. Program components utilize interactive activities that enhance family communication and help youth avoid further involvement with the criminal justice system.