This vignette summarizes some of the strengths of automated (computer scored) assessment instruments or tests. Several private practitioners have included their ideas in the following suggestions.

TIMELINESS. Without belaboring the obvious, automated assessment should improve evaluation-report time. Computer scoring, interpretation and printing of reports is completed within 2½ minutes. The evaluator’s role is not minimized (refer to the Medical Metaphor Scroll Article). The evaluators can always override and modify reports as desired. And as your reputation for promptness grows so will your referrals.

SHARE REPORTS AND EXPLAIN. Evaluators (assessors and screeners) often assume referral sources "don’t want to be bothered." Explaining your tests and the information they provide is informative. Many referral sources don’t know the importance of Truthfulness Scales or the advantages of tests designed for specific client, defendant, and offender populations. Everybody has heard of reliability, validity and accuracy, yet many referral resources are not aware of these test statistics, let alone what they "really" mean. As you continue to share more test-related or report-related information, you become an "expert" in their eyes. Don’t overlook sharing annual summary reports with your referral sources. There is often a correlation between information sharing and referral volume.

COMMUNICATION. This discussion could be an extension of "sharing." Schedule a time with referral sources to sit down and review your reports. Use some judgment because some referral sources want more information than others. Many doctors, judges, therapists, probation officers, treatment program staff and managers, as well as other referral sources, will be positively responsive to your communication efforts. Here again, as your referral sources get to know you their referrals should increase.

FREE DEMONSTRATION. Some people give nothing away, whereas others will do a free evaluation to demonstrate their skills and services. If a potential referral source likes what you do you have overcome a barrier regarding the use of your services. Remember, after the evaluation you meet with the potential referral source to review your evaluation and report. This could be the beginning of another referral source relationship.

SUMMARY. Referral sources want to know what you do and how you do it because they need good resources to send their clients/offenders/defendants to. They are usually interested in the test you use and the reports you produce. Tests designed for specific client and offender groups are of interest because they are usually more reliable, valid and informative than other tests. Such assessments provide useful information in a timely manner and you will likely receive more referrals as a result.

EDUCATE REFERRAL SOURCES. The more open, cooperative, and informative you are the more referrals you will likely receive. Rather than lecture your referral sources guide them to helpful reference materials. Several contributors to our scroll articles have found that referral sources appreciate you giving them the Risk & Needs website address.  Many referral sources have commented that they too have test-related questions and at their convenience, like to visit the Risk & Needs website.

Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc.

www.riskandneeds.com