ABOUT RISK & NEEDS

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This webpage is all about Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs). Distinctive Risk & Needs features are discussed. After the two overlapping organizations are explained, visitors are provided "How to Order Tests" instructions. And, this webpage concludes with a Topics for Easy Reference links table. These links to topics discussed earlier in the webpage makes reexamination of topics of interest an easy task.

TOPICS FOR EASY REFERENCE
The following links provide quick access to some of the topics discussed on this webpage. These links are also provided at the end of this webpage.
Truthfulness Scale	Databases
Truth-Corrected Scores	Annual Summary Report
Confidentiality	Individualized Assessment
Accuracy	Sister Corporations
Multiple Sources of Information	How To Order Tests

THE RISK & NEEDS STORY

A movement is sweeping the country. It's called "automated assessment." Evaluators (assessors, screeners and testers) are discovering what we call the "new generation of assessment" -- computerized testing that is objective, accurate and cost effective. Risk & Needs' risk evaluation and screening instruments take full advantage of this blending of contemporary psychometric procedures with computer technology.

Computerized assessment has proven to be far superior to the outdated practice of manually scored evaluations or tests, which often contributed to evaluation inaccuracies, scoring errors and frustrating delays. Notoriously slow and unreliable, hand-scored tests became a major stumbling block to objective, accurate and timely assessment. Although many different tests were developed, only a few dominated and endured. These tests continued to be overextended to client populations for which they were not originally designed. As a consequence, they often produced ambiguous and overgeneralized results. Those that were not automated hit the brick wall of economics and obsolescence, making even small performance improvements difficult and expensive.

All this began to change in the late 1980’s with the introduction of computers that could perform intricate calculations in split seconds. This sophisticated computer technology turned the field of testing on its ear in less than a decade. Today, we can maintain state-of-the-art testing programs while concurrently maintaining comprehensive field-based research, efforts of previously unimaginable scope.

The 1990’s introduced a new era of major assessment advantages. Today. we think in terms of computers, databases, field-based research, local test standardization and even annual restandardization. The impact of this technology continues to reshape our attitudes toward assessment and the quality of these evaluations.

How do you measure attitudes, predict complex behavior and quantify client risk? The answer: you use a computer. By merging the latest psychometrics with computer technology, Risk & Needs can objectively gather a vast amount of information, identify client problems and formulate specific intervention and treatment strategies. Risk & Needs has developed a diversified menu or list of new generation assessment instruments or tests.

Distinctive Test Features

User Friendly . All Risk & Needs tests are contained on diskettes and CD’s for on-site use. They are "menu driven" so that users can simply follow the instructions which appear on the screen. These advisory messages assist staff throughout the scoring and printing of reports. It’s a cinch to operate and easy to use.

The Risk & Needs assessment system has a "computer brain" inside each diskette and CD that instantaneously performs data acquisition, scoring and report printing functions. You don’t even have to know how these proprietary programs work to appreciate their speed and accuracy. Moreover, Risk & Needs explains each test’s scoring interpretation, score-related recommendations and report printing methodology in each test’s "Orientation and Training Manual."

Risk & Needs reports summarize a lot of information at a glance. In addition to presenting attained scale scores and explaining what they mean, reports are enhanced by including space for staff observations and recommendations. This ensures fairness by allowing staff to "override" the client’s test findings. Without this test feature, reports would lose the benefit of additional sources of information, such as official records, interviews with clients or victims, etc. This creates a check and balance system that incorporates accuracy, fairness -- and yes -- even compassion. These reports make evaluations simpler, less time consuming, affordable and faster. This results in test users having access to an incredible amount of empirically based information. Staff report writing substantiation of decision making and record keeping needs are met. These reports are available on-site within 2½ minutes of test data input.

Truthfulness Scale. All tests, and especially all interviews, are subject to the danger of respondents not telling the truth. With regard to client truthfulness, an important advance in psychometrics was the Truthfulness or Validity Scale. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was one of the early tests that incorporated a Truthfulness Scale to determine how truthful the client was while completing the test. Aside from a lie detector, interviews do not have an acceptable way to determine client truthfulness while clients are being interviewed. It would be very naïve to believe that all people are truthful when questioned (interviewed) or tested.

All Risk & Needs tests contain empirically based Truthfulness Scales. And, each of these Truthfulness Scales has empirically demonstrated reliability and validity. These Truthfulness Scales identify self-protective and guarded people who attempt to deny, minimize, conceal or "fake good" when tested. These scales also detect reading impaired and visually impaired individuals. Risk & Needs’ doctorate level psychologists and psychometricians believe that contemporary tests must contain a Truthfulness Scale if their results are to be accepted. Earlier, we noted that all interviews lack a Truthfulness Scale to determine client truthfulness. A Truthfulness Scale is important in all tests, especially in court, probation, corrections and treatment settings. Truthfulness Scales (or their absence) can no longer be ignored, particularly in counseling, outpatient, inpatient and other treatment settings.

Truth-Corrected Scores. Correlations between a test’s Truthfulness Scale and all other test scales enables the calculation of Truth-Corrected scores. Undetected denial, problem minimization and untruthfulness produce scoring inaccuracies and distorted results. The following truisms summarize this discussion on Truthfulness Scales and Truth-Corrected scores: "Raw scores may only reflect what the client wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the client is trying to hide." Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

Professionals across the country have endorsed the benefits of Truth-Corrected scores. This methodology is easy to use because the computer does all the work -- actually calculating Truth-Corrected scores every time a test is given. In the past, many evaluators "turned off" on self-report tests because they were too easy to fake. Truthfulness Scales and Truth-Corrected scores have gone a long way to resolving this problem. Risk & Needs’ professional staff considers these scales as essential to any and all self-report tests. All Risk & Needs’ test webpages discuss Truthfulness Scales and Truth-Corrected scores.

Confidentiality. To insure confidentiality, Risk & Needs diskettes have a proprietary "delete names" procedure built-in. Prior to returning used Risk & Needs diskettes, test users can erase all client names with a few keystrokes. The test data and demographics (no names) on returned diskettes are downloaded into that test’s database for subsequent analysis. This "delete names" program insures respondent or client confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501). Once erased, these names cannot be restored.

Accuracy. Assessment tests provide accuracy in addition to saving staff time and budgeted dollars. Computers run innumerable calculations within seconds to provide results on-site where decisions must be made. Few staff members have the time -- let alone the inclination -- to accurately perform these calculations over and over each time a client is evaluated. Having this information in on-site reports when it is needed enables staff to accurately analyze the client’s situation, identify client problems, make sound recommendations and establish appropriate levels of supervision or treatment.

Multiple Sources of Information. The trend to multiple measures (scales) in tests was facilitated by the MMPI and the realization that computers process vast amounts of information quickly. This allows inclusion of several relevant areas of inquiry (scales or measures), which improves a test’s comprehensiveness and accuracy. It is often necessary to clarify the impact of these diverse factors (scales or measures) when making judgments about a client’s attitude, needs, patterns and behavior.

For maximum screening effectiveness, test results and client history should be used jointly. Risk & Needs’ research supports this conclusion. For these reasons, Risk & Needs incorporates available information (court records, demographics, etc.) in its scoring equations. Integrating test results with other significant factors like court history enhances assessment accuracy.

Databases. A database of client information and test data is very useful. It makes ongoing cost-efficient research possible, while providing the capability to summarize test results for administrative, budgeting, planning and program review purposes. Each Risk & Needs test has a built-in database. Risk & Needs’ proprietary built-in expanding databases provide both research and testing program summary capabilities that were only rarely even possible in the past. Computer software "saves" the test data from each test administration in a confidential (no names) manner.

Every Risk & Needs test’s database provides a cost-efficient approach to ongoing research. Each year that a testing program is in place, users should be confident that it is improved and better able to meet their assessment needs. In the old days, users would purchase or use a test that has never been researched and standardized on their clients’ population. In contrast, Risk & Needs provides testing programs with annual research analysis to insure that its tests have empirically demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy on clients within the population tested. Tests work best when standardized on the population they will be used to evaluate.

Annual Summary Reports. These same databases provide a cost-efficient means by which testing programs can be summarized -- again, in a confidential (no names) manner. These summary reports describe the population that was tested. Demographics, population statistics, risk range percentages, emerging trends, assessment accuracy and much more are provided on an annual basis. Prior to automated testing, such summary reports could not be completed in either a timely or cost-efficient manner.

Until now, most agencies have lacked the technical capability and budget necessary for a representative database, ongoing database research, and annual testing program summary. Risk & Needs’ annual database summary reports are completed at no additional imposition on staff time and at no additional cost.  To review some Annual Summary Reports click this link.

Individualized Assessment. Historically, tests have been standardized with a "representative" sample of the national population, and the test user had to "decide" if his or her clientele was adequately represented. In contrast, Risk & Needs recommends that tests be standardized on at least a state-by-state level and that the tested population is included in the annual research. This is done with Risk & Needs tests.

The advantages of local standardization are many and include accuracy, reliability, validity and fairness. When Risk & Needs standardizes a test on a client population, the test becomes uniquely appropriate to that user’s needs. This desirable feature is only possible because of Risk & Needs’ individualized proprietary database.

And, Risk & Needs does not stop there. Risk & Needs will modify or individualize test reports to be in compliance with each state’s statutes, agency/department procedures, and needs. Recommendations that are used in one state may not be appropriate for another. Establishing highly individualized tests based on local research and user need optimizes assessment accuracy, relevance and utility. Most, if not all, other test publishers would charge large fees for ongoing research, annual summary reports, individualized reports modified to user needs and staff training. Risk & Needs does not! For more information on Risk & Needs' test unit fee or cost, click on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link in the left margin of each webpage.

Locally standardized assessment instruments are initially developed by Risk & Needs on a regional level then implemented on a state and local user level. Small volume test users incorporate their databases with others, while large volume departments and agencies maintain their own databases. This procedure greatly improves the accuracy of Risk & Needs tests.

Prior to introducing a test in a state where it has not been standardized, Risk & Needs offers to evaluate a sample of clients representing the population to be tested. This sample is statistically analyzed and the test brought into compliance with these results before the test is made available. This standardization process is completed at no cost to the test users. Then, on an annual basis, Risk & Needs tests are restandardized from the expanding database -- at no additional cost to test users. Each year, the "sample" becomes progressively more like the client population itself. As a result, more accuracy is achieved.

Cost. While automated (computer scored) tests may initially appear to carry higher price tags, in the long run they may prove less expensive than hand-scored tests that may even be free. Before deciding upon a test, decision makers should calculate what "expanding database," "ongoing research" and support services cost. Risk & Needs provides them free. With Risk & Needs, there are no hidden costs or obligations. For specific Risk & Needs cost (Test Unit Fee) information click on this Test Unit Fee (Cost) link.

Examination Kit--Free. Examination kits are available to individuals that are interested in using a test and printing a report. The examination kits contain a 1-test demonstration diskette, a test booklet, answer sheets and a training manual. These kits are free. All we ask is that the diskette and test booklet be returned within 30 days of its receipt. To facilitate examination kit requests, click on the Examination Kit link, which is also located in the left margin of each webpage.

Courtesy Discount. Simply mention your Risk & Needs site visit when you place your first order, and a twenty percent (20%) discount will apply. This site visit discount is not retroactive and only applies to your first order.

Technical Assistance. A link to the support page called Technical Assistance is located in the left margin of each webpage. The intent is to provide clarification, assistance and helpful suggestions regarding the use of Risk & Need's site. Topics discussed include:

Internal Search	Bookmarks
Screen Resolution	Examination Kits
Printing Pages	Other Websites
Color Resolution	New Test Introduction

Of the Technical Assistance topics, some of the most frequently requested include setting bookmarks and printing website pages. Instructions should help, but remember you can always call (602) 234-3506, fax (602) 266-8227 or e-mail your questions to hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Research Support. Risk & Needs actively supports research involving its tests. Use of Risk & Needs tests and test-related materials can be provided at a reduced fee and, in some instances, for free. Students are required to provide an outline of the proposed research along with the name, address and telephone number of their major professor, chair or faculty advisor that will be Risk & Needs’ contact person. Interested parties should contact Risk & Needs on Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time.

Two Overlapping Corporations . In 1985 Behavior Data Systems, Ltd. was incorporated. It entered the assessment arena in 1985, with the development of the Driver Risk Inventory, which focused on DUI/DWI offender assessment. Subsequently, it developed other counseling and treatment tests. Largely due to BDS’s success, it was decided to establish another test publishing company, Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs), to focus on developing court, probation and corrections tests. Although complete separation of these two companies may never be achieved, there are some advantages associated with each corporation’s separate identity and focus. Sometimes, an agency uses a test purchased through one of these corporations and then wants to purchase other tests from its sister corporation. In these instances, that agency’s account is maintained with the corporation they made their initial purchase from. In other words, one company can provide tests developed by the other company and vice versa.

How to Order Tests. Current Risk & Needs clients can write, call, fax or e-mail their orders to Risk & Needs. Orders received by 2 p.m. on a workday are filled and mailed to the ordering party that same day. Orders received after 2 p.m. (Mountain Standard Time) are filled and mailed to the ordering party the next workday. New customers who haven’t ordered should read the instructions on the New or First Client Order webpage. And, if for whatever reason, a person submitting their first order doesn’t want to follow the e-mail procedure, they can write, call, or fax in their orders.

TOPICS FOR EASY REFERENCE
The following links provide quick access to some of the topics discussed on this webpage.
Truthfulness Scale	Examination Kit -- Free
Confidentiality	Research Support
Test Unit Fee (Cost)	Individualized Assessment
Annual Summary Reports	Sister Corporations
Multiple Sources of Information	How To Order Tests

 

Website Recommendations:  An easy way to refer this website to your co-workers and colleagues is available to you by clicking on the Website Recommendations link.  Type in the e-mail address of the person you want to introduce to this Risk & Needs website and click on the submit button.  It's that easy.

We hope this discussion of Risk & Needs and its formation, discussion of distinctive features, explanation of the two overlapping corporations and instructions about how to order tests were interesting and thought provoking.