In this paper, researchers used latent class analysis of the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) instrument to study recidivism risk factors among Mississippi justice-involved youth.
This study conducted a multi-group (based on sex) latent class analysis model of the SAVRY items to explore heterogeneity in risk/needs among youths involved in the juvenile court in Mississippi between 2017 and 2021. The Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY) instrument is a popular risk-need-responsivity tool for justice-involved youth. Results indicated a three-class solution best with the data, with Very Low, Low, and Bimodal classes. Generally, these groups were similar across sex, though the Bimodal subgroup was proportionally larger for females than males. Subsequent analyses indicated the Bimodal group was significantly younger and more involved in future one-year recidivism. These findings suggest subgroups of risk exist and should be examined further to assess future recidivism and other risks. (Published Abstract Provided)