NCJ Number
212505
Date Published
August 2005
Length
75 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from continuing evaluations of the Youth Justice Board’s Assessment for Young Offenders (ASSET).
Abstract
ASSET was developed by the Youth Justice Board in England and Wales as part of its goal of promoting consistency of practice within multidisciplinary youth offending teams (YOTs). The validity and reliability of ASSET was evaluated in earlier research; the current evaluation expands on this research by analyzing the predictive validity of ASSET through an examination of 2-year reconviction data on a sample of 2,233 cases. Inter-rater reliability was also assessed using video case studies and the link between ASSET and Intervention Plans was analyzed with data from 150 completed Intervention Plans from 2 YOTs. Results revealed that the predictive validity of ASSET increased over time, reaching 69.4 percent at 24 months compared to 67 percent at 12 months. Inter-rater reliability was within acceptable levels, although some YOT staff were thought to be allocating ratings based on perceived problems rather than on the risk of reoffending. Finally, the analysis suggested that the Intervention Plans did not reflect the ASSET outcomes and a tendency to create standardized plans was observed. Overall, the findings provide support for the continued use of ASSET by YOTs, although improvements should be made in the use of ASSET by YOTs. In particular, problems in the quality of Intervention Plans and in the allocation of ASSET scores based on perceived need rather than offending behavior should be addressed. Tables, figures, footnotes, references, appendix