The validation of a screening tool for the assessment of violence risk among juvenile offenders
Document Type Book Chapter
Interim status: Citation only.
Perrin, M.A., Watt, B.D. & Hasan, T. (2010). The validation of a screening tool for the assessment of violence risk among juvenile offenders. In R.E. Hicks (Ed.), Personality and individual differences (pp.305-314). Bowen Hills: Australian Academic Press.
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© Copyright Michelle A. Perrin, Bruce D. Watt & Tasneem Hasan, 2010
Abstract
Screening tools in forensic mental health settings are utilised to assess individual differences in risk for future violence. The Child and Youth Forensic Outreach Service Violence Screening Tool (CVST) was developed for use with juveniles referred to mental health and juvenile justice settings. The reliability and validity of the CVST evaluated based on 156 consecutive referrals to a Youth Justice Service in South East Queensland. Data on future violence was obtained from official Youth Justice Service records as well as caseworker observations of youth violence. The CVST was found to have adequate inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Importantly, the CVST significantly predicted future violence over a 12-month period. The CVST has the potential to assist in differentiating individuals according to violence risk with implications for case planning and interventions.