Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile

JUVENILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFILE

The Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile (JSAP) is designed for troubled youth (male and female) assessment in juvenile courts, screening programs, school systems and treatment agencies. The JSAP has 116 items and takes 20 minutes to complete. It has 5 measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Aggressiveness Scale, 3. Alcohol Scale, 4. Drugs Scale and 5. Stress Coping Abilities Scale. The JSAP is a quick screening or assessment instrument or test.

Five Scales (Measures)

The five Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile (JSAP) scales are described as follows:

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how open and truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
    
2. Aggressiveness Scale: Measures how outgoing, bold and self-assertive the juvenile is. High levels of aggressiveness contribute to aggression. In extreme cases, the youth can violate the rights of others.
    
3. Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors.
    
4. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, LSD, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin.
    
5. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the youth handles stress. High scores (at or above the 90^th percentile) indicate the presence of identifiable emotional or mental health problems.

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The Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile (JSAP) is a brief, easily administered and automated (computer-scored) troubled youth assessment instrument. Test administration time is on average 20 minutes, and tests are computer-scored within 2½ minutes on-site.

The JSAP was developed specifically for troubled youth substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse assessment. Yet, it is much more than just another alcohol and drug test. In addition to evaluating alcohol and drugs, the JSAP measures the truthfulness of the youth being tested, quantifies aggressiveness and establishes how well the youth handles stress. We now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. A high score is a non-introversive way to screen for emotional and mental health problems.

Why Use the JSAP?

Aggression, substance abuse, delinquency and related problems have risen across the U.S. These statistics underscore the need for standardized and objective screening. Early detection of substance abuse and related problems facilitate quicker intervention and counseling or treatment. This type of information also helps in deciding upon supervision, counseling and treatment alternatives.

At one sitting of approximately 20 minutes’ duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of relevant information that can be used to help troubled youths straighten out their lives. As noted above, early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved outcome results.

Advantages of Screening

Screening or assessment instruments filter out youths with serious problems that may require referral for a more comprehensive evaluation and/or treatment. This filtering system works as follows:

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids both extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems.

A court, school, probation department or agency's policy might refer youths with severe problems (11%) for further evaluation or treatment services. In that case, 11% of the people screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. In this example, 89% of the youths screened would not be referred for additional and expensive services.

Budgetary savings (dollars) would be large with no compromises in clients receiving appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more youths would receive help. Without an objective and standardized screening program, there is usually more risk of over or under-utilization of additional professional services.

Test Booklets

JSAP test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 116 items and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level. If a youth can read the newspaper, they can read the JSAP. And, JSAP test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, JSAP reports summarize the youth’s self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.

Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 3-page reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of helpful information in an easily understood format. For example, reports include a JSAP profile (graph), which summarizes scale scores at a glance. Also included are attained scale scores, an explanation of what each score means and specific score-related recommendations. In addition, significant items (direct admissions) are highlighted, and answers to a built-in interview (last sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood. To review an example JSAP report, click on the Example Report link.

Reliability and Validity

The JSAP has a proprietary built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. JSAP reliability and validity research is reported in the document titled "JSAP: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." And, annual database analysis further demonstrates that JSAP scales have very high reliability and validity coefficients.

For example, the internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for JSAP scales are reported in the following table for troubled youths (N=532) screened in the year 2002. This is one among several research studies.

All JSAP scales have alpha coefficients well above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. All coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.

Several troubled youth studies used several validation methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests like the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, Treatment Intervention Inventory-Juvenile, ACDI-Corrections Version II, etc. Much of the research is summarized in the document "JSAP: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequent discriminant validity and predictive validity database research supports JSAP reliability and validity.

A JSAP research study is presented at the end of this webpage. To review this research, click on the JSAP Research Study link.

Software

The JSAP is available in MS-DOS and Windows diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which JSAP data diskettes (25 or 50 test applications) are used to score and print reports on-site. Training manuals are provided, and new test users can be walked through these scoring procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.

Proprietary JSAP data diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once a JSAP account is established, ordered diskettes are mailed to users. Approximately 97% of orders are filled and mailed back to users the same day they are received. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs where the test data is downloaded into the JSAP database for subsequent database analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all the youths’ names from diskettes before they are returned. Deleting all juvenile names insures protection of each youth’s confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

The "JSAP: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the JSAP works and should be read by staff. The "JSAP: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique JSAP computer-related features.

Database

The JSAP system contains a proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all JSAP used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the JSAP database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing program summary features that were not possible before. Ongoing research insures quality control. Annual testing program summaries provide for program self-evaluation.

Built-in Database

The JSAP permits ongoing research and annual program summary – at no additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50-test diskettes are used, the used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into the expanding JSAP database. Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include free database research analysis and free annual summary reports.

In summary, all returned JSAP diskettes’ test data is centrally filed in the JSAP database. This database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy determinations. An example summary report can be reviewed by clicking on the Annual Summary Reports link.

Annual Summary Reports

Risk & Needs can access each of its tests' built-in databases for statistical analysis and summarization of all tests administered in a year. Annual Summary Reports are prepared for state, department, agency and even some individual providers -- at no cost to them. These reports are provided as a professional courtesy to large volume test users. Summary reports include demographics, court-history when relevant, and test statistics (reliability, validity and accuracy). Has anyone offered to summarize your testing program? Annually? At no additional cost to you? Minimum testing volume for annual reports is 350 tests. There is no maximum limit. Risk & Needs' annual reports range in size from 350 tests to over 55,000 tests annually. An example Annual Summary Report can be viewed by clicking on this Annual Summary Reports link.

Staff Member Input

The JSAP is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, school and court records should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the youth being tested. Experienced staff should also interview the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each JSAP report: "Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile (JSAP) results are confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No decision should be based solely upon these results. The JSAP is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment."

Unique JSAP Features

 Truthfulness Scale: Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that many juveniles attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary tests. The JSAP Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness studies and experienced staff judgment. The JSAP Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the JSAP Truthfulness Scale is similar to the MMPI’s L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most people agree or disagree with.

Truth-Corrected Scores: Have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction process is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction. The JSAP Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other 4 scales. The Truth Correction equation converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the juvenile wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the juvenile is attempting to hide.

Aggressiveness Scale: Measures how outgoing, bold and self-assertive the youth is. High levels of aggressiveness contribute to aggression. In extreme cases, the youth can violate the rights of others.

Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the juvenile handles stress, tension and pressure. And, we now know that stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen for established (diagnosable) mental health problems.

More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the JSAP assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, denial and faking, aggressiveness, emotional/mental health problems, etc. The JSAP is specifically designed for juvenile screening.

Three ways to give the JSAP. The JSAP can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. JSAP English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available. 2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some agencies dedicate computers for JSAP testing. And, 3. Human voice audio in English or Spanish is available. These three test administration modes are discussed in the "JSAP: Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test modes so test users can select the administration mode that is optimally suited to their needs.

Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of the juveniles tested. This represents a serious problem to other juvenile tests. Risk & Needs has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem: Human Voice Audio.

Human Voice Audio: Presentation of the JSAP is in English and Spanish. Juveniles’ passive vocabularies are often greater than their active vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce cultural and communication problems. This administration mode requires earphones and simple instructions to orient the juvenile to the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio is an alternative approach for screening reading impaired juveniles.

Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete juvenile names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Once juvenile names are deleted, they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting juvenile names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the JSAP database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures juvenile confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

Test Data Input Verification: Allows the person that inputs test data from the answer sheet into the computer to verify the accuracy of their data input. In brief, test data is input twice, and any inconsistencies between the first and second data entries are highlighted until corrected. When the first and second data entries match or are the same, the staff person can continue. This proprietary Data Input Verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the JSAP research has been gathered together in a document titled "JSAP: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes JSAP research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely because of the JSAP database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "JSAP: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the JSAP works. It is a must read for staff that will be using the JSAP. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: instructions for testing, an explanation of how scores are derived, a clarification of how court-related information is used, a description of unique JSAP features and much more.

Computer Operating Guide: Some computer operators want more information than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a One-Page Quick Start, which includes basic instructions for scoring JSAP’s, and a more comprehensive "JSAP: Computer Operating Guide." The Computer Operating Guide contains instructions for using MS-DOS as well as Windows software. This manual discusses hardware, software, scoring, printing reports, unique program features and much more.

Staff Training: Risk & Needs' staff is available to participate in JSAP training sessions conducted by statewide programs, departments and high volume agencies in the United States. Sometimes, smaller volume providers get together for collective (multiple providers) on-site training. Risk & Needs typically participates in 4-hour or 6-hour JSAP training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their JSAP training.

Staff training is also provided on Fridays at Risk & Needs' Phoenix offices from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. These training sessions are free. To participate, contact Risk & Needs at least ten days in advance. Participation is on a first call, first scheduled basis.

Juvenile Violence Interview (JVI): is a "structured interview" that consists of 60 multiple choice items. Each item has four answers. The answer selected for each item is printed in the JVI report. The JVI is available to Risk & Needs juvenile test users free. The JVI augments Risk & Needs juvenile tests and helps develop a violence profile. The JVI is not a test and is not to be used as a standalone assessment procedure or test. It takes 15 minutes to complete the JVI. For more information on the Juvenile Violence Interview click on the JVI link.

Test Unit Fee (Cost): JSAP cost information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (JSAP Cost) link. There is only the one charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is included at no additional cost. This includes test booklets, answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual summary reports, staff training, and support services. Risk & Needs' test unit fee is very affordable.

Free Examination Kit: A 1-test JSAP demonstration diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that the software is contained on the diskette. This way, the one-time Windows setup program is avoided at the demo level. The examination kit contains a 1-test demo diskette, test booklet (reusable), an answer sheet (can photocopy), a "JSAP: Orientation and Training Manual," One-Page Quick Start and some descriptive information. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days of receipt. To request a free examination kit, click on the Free Examination Kit Request link.

How to Proceed: To become a Risk & Needs test user, click on the Agreement & Proposals link, click on the Print Client User Agreement button and fax the completed form to (602) 266-8227, or mail your completed form to Risk & Needs. Upon its receipt by Risk & Needs, you become a Risk & Needs test user and can order tests. Established Risk & Needs test users can reorder by letter, telephone, fax or e-mail.

Other related links are listed for reference. They are available as needed.

    Test Unit Fee (Cost) webpage link. Explains Risk & Needs' Test Unit Fees or Costs.
    New Client Order webpage link. Explains steps to become a "new Risk & Needs client."
    How to Order webpage link. Explains how Risk & Needs tests can be ordered.

Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Risk & Needs' telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Support Services: Risk & Needs provides a full range of support services. These services include e-mail, fax and telephone availability, provision of test-related information, telephone walk through assistance, staff training and test consultation. Support services and test-related materials are provided free.

Selecting a Juvenile Assessment Instrument or Test

If you are selecting a screening instrument or test for juveniles, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. It lists important screening test qualities. The "Other" column represents any other test you might want to compare to the JSAP.

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EXAMPLE JUVENILE SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROFILE REPORT
JSAP REPORT

The Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile utilizes a 3-page outline or format that is highly individualized. An example JSAP report follows.

Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile reports summarize the youth's self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations. Within 2½ minutes of test data entry, automated (computer-scored) 3-page reports are printed on-site.

The first page of the JSAP report begins with the juvenile's name and some basic demographics. The JSAP Profile summarizes the youth's scores at a glance. Scale names are on the left, then attained score percentiles are set forth, followed by graphical score representation. Juvenile self-reported court history is presented. This allows staff to confirm self-reported information with the youth's records. Page 1 ends with the juvenile's scores to all JSAP items. This enables staff review of items of special interest.

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The second page of the JSAP report contains attained scale score summaries. These scale paragraphs include the Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale and Aggressiveness Scale. Each of these paragraphs gives the youth's attained score, explains what that score means and offers score-related recommendations.

The third page of the JSAP report begins with the Stress Coping Abilities Scale paragraph. This paragraph gives the youth's attained score, explains what that score means and offers score-related recommendations. "Significant Items" refer to direct admissions or unusual responses. Significant items are reported for the Alcohol, Drugs and Aggressiveness Scales. The Multiple Choice consists of multiple choice items (item #98 through #116). Whatever answer is selected is printed at the bottom of the third page. Space is provided for staff member's observations and comments, their signature and the date of the evaluation.

NAME: Example Report               -3-                      JSAP REPORT

STRESS COPING SCALE: MEDIUM RISK RANGE               RISK PERCENTILE:66
 Although generally manifesting average stress coping  abilities,  this
 youth's  emotions  can  interfere  with  judgment--particularly   when
 frustrated, angered, rejected or during periods  of  substance  abuse.
 Stress does not appear to be a focal issue  in  this  youth's  adjust-
 ment. This score is in the Medium Risk (40 to 69th percentile) range.


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SIGNIFICANT ITEMS: The following self-report responses represent topics
that may help in understanding the youth's situation.

ALCOHOL                             DRUGS
-------                             -----
16. States concerned about drinking 8. Many friends use drugs
                                    28. May or may not use drugs

AGGRESSIVENESS 
-------------- 
35. Youth's aggressiveness disliked
45. Needs to reduce aggressiveness
58. Energetic, restless, disruptive




MULTIPLE CHOICE (JUVENILE'S SELF-REPORT)
----------------------------------------
98. After drinking: vomit/nausea    108. Denies drug-related symptoms
99. After drinking:speech/walk prob 109. Infrequent drug user
100. Denies increased tolerance     110. No drug problem
101. States a social drinker        111. No drug help need
102. Drinking: mild problem         112. Rates drugs: no problem
103. Not sure if needs alcohol help 113. Aggressiveness rating:outgoing
104. Not a recovering person        114. Reports no family problems
105. Rates alcohol: some problems   115. Denies emotional problems
106. Occasional drug use            116. No need to see a counselor
107. Denies withdrawal symptoms 


OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS______________________________________________

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STAFF MEMBER SIGNATURE                        DATE          (TEST # 1 )


  Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, AZ 85064-4828
Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile Copyright (c) 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Sometimes, JSAP users like a one-page summary report to augment their three-page report. For example, one report might be provided to a referral source, agency or treatment program, and the second report could be maintained in the youth's file. The one-page summary report is optional or not required. It contains the youth's name and some basic demographics. The JSAP Profile occupies a prominent place in the middle of the page. Client's court-related history is presented along with space for staff member observations/comments, staff signature and the date of testing. Some JSAP users print the one-page summary; whereas, others don't.

To go back to the JSAP Reports section, click the Return to JSAP Reports Section link.  Some JSAP webpage visitors like to quickly review some of the material they read.  The "Topics For Easy Reference" links table is provided for that purpose.

 

We hope this Juvenile Substance Abuse Profile (JSAP) webpage has been interesting and helpful. Additional information can be provided upon request by writing Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, Arizona 85064-4828. Our telephone number is (602) 234-3506, our fax number is (602) 266-8227 and our e-mail address is hhl@riskandneeds.com.

Copyright 2003 - Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. - All Rights Reserved