NCJ Number
111131
Date Published
1985
Length
71 pages
Annotation
This study examined the predictive validity of the Massachusetts Risks/Needs Assessment Scale using data for 198 male and female parolees released to supervision in 1983.
Abstract
Results reveal a mixed picture in terms of parole outcome. Of 20 items, almost half had no significant relationship to outcome. Of risk items related to outcome, those most significantly related included number of prior felony convictions, prior conviction for an indicated offense, age at first conviction, number of address changes prior to incarceration, and number of prior periods of supervision. Needs items that were significantly related to outcome included employment, marital or family relationships, companions, emotional stability, drug use problem, and parole officer's impression of needs. Those items with the weakest relationship to outcome were prior alcohol problem, alcohol use problem, assaultive offense conviction, and health. For these items, a score indicating a problem increased the probability of a successful parole outcome. While total risk scores were related to the probability of parole failure, total needs scores were not. Of factors not considered by the assessment instrument, being released from a State facility, having less than a high school degree, minority group membership, and prior adult commitment and number of adult commitments were related to parole failure. 18 tables and 27 references