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Relationship of Assessed Needs and Potential for Failure of Adult Probationers

NCJ Number
107432
Journal
Journal of Offender Counseling Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 17-24
Author(s)
E LaQuidara
Date Published
1987
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship of assessed needs in 10 problem areas and risk of failure on probation in a sample of 167 male and female probationers in New York.
Abstract
The independent variable was the degree of failure on probation. Four levels of risk were measured: high, moderately high, moderately low, and low. Assignment to a group was based on the score obtained on the Risk Assessment Instrument. Results indicate that probationers classified as having a high or moderately high risk of failure had significantly more types of needs and a significantly higher level of overall need than did those classified as low and moderately low risk. Differences between high and moderately high-risk and between low and moderately low-risk probationers were not significant. In addition, no significant differences were found as a function of sex or race. Counselors should be aware that high and moderately high-risk probationers have dysfunctions that are more serious and that affect more areas of their lives than do other probationers. Smaller caseloads might help probation officers better meet the needs of this client group. 5 tables and 16 references.