NCJ Number
190285
Date Published
2001
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report presents findings from interviews with British probation staff about their use of current assessment tools, particularly the LSI-R and the ACE (assessment, case recording, and evaluation).
Abstract
The LSI-R consists of a two-page form with a list of 54 factors related to reoffending. From these factors, a total LSI-R score is calculated for the offender. The ACE is a series of separate forms. The components in the ACE assessment include accommodation, employment and education, family, finances, drug abuse, and attitudes toward crime. For this study, researchers interviewed 21 senior probation officers and 50 probation officers in 10 probation service areas. Three services used ACE, four used LSI-R, and one had just completed an evaluation of both. Views about the main use of the instruments varied. About one-third of LSI-R users viewed it as a dual assessment tool for risk and needs; just under half of the officers viewed it as a risk assessment tool only. Over half of ACE users viewed its main purpose as helping with assessments, and one-third stated it was to help them determine progress and evaluate the effectiveness of their practice. Over two-thirds of ACE users reported that the initial assessment informed the supervision plan by improving objectives and highlighting problems. Just over one-third of LSI-R users said the instrument fed into supervision planning. About three-quarters of the LSI-R users and approximately half the ACE officers said that the instruments were not suitable for all types of offenders, notably sex offenders, traffic offenders, women, domestic-violence offenders, and lifers. The LSI-R form does not cover risk of self-harm or harm to others; half the officers who used LSI-R viewed this as a limitation. The ACE assessment includes a short section on risk of harm and dangerousness. Half the officers viewed this aspect of the ACE assessment as useful. 2 tables