Description
The ACDI has 105 items and takes on average 15 to
20 minutes to complete. It is an automated (computer-scored) self-report test
for juvenile (14 to 17 years) assessment. The ACDI screens substance (alcohol
and other drugs) use and abuse, overall adjustment and troubled youth concerns.
Five ACDI Measures (Scales)
-
Truthfulness Scale:
Measures the truthfulness of the youth while completing the test. This scale
identifies defensive youths that minimize their problems or even try to fake
good.
-
Alcohol Scale:
Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine
and other liquor.
-
Drugs Scale:
Measures illicit drug use and the severity of abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana,
crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin.
-
Adjustment Scale:
Measures home, school and relationship adjustment. Quality of peer,
family and authoritarian relationships are also explored.
-
Distress Scale: Measures
anxiety and depression. The term dysthymic combines symptoms of anxiety and
depression in the same disorder.
* * * * *
Two ACDI
Versions
There are two versions of the ACDI:
1. ACDI and 2. ACDI-Corrections
Version II. Each version will be briefly described so the test reviewer can
select the version that will best meet their needs.
The Adolescent Chemical Dependency Inventory, or
ACDI, is described above, and this is the ACDI webpage. An example ACDI report
is presented at the end of this webpage for review. You can click on the
ACDI Example Report link to go directly to this example report.
The ACDI-Corrections Version II is designed for
juvenile court, probation department and drug court use. Version II has a
Violence (Lethality) Scale. Version II has 140 items and takes 25 to 30 minutes
to complete. And, Version II has seven scales: 1.
Truthfulness Scale, 2. Violence
(Lethality) Scale, 3. Adjustment Scale,
4. Distress Scale, 5. Alcohol
Scale, 6. Drugs Scale and
7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale. The ACDI-Corrections Version II
has a Violence (Lethality) Scale. If you would like to review an example
ACDI-Corrections Version II example report, click on the Version II Example Report
link.
ACDI test booklets are provided free. These
booklets contain 105 items and are written at a 5th to 6th
grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the
ACDI. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete the ACDI. These test booklets are
available in English and Spanish.
ACDI
Reports
In brief, ACDI reports summarize the youth’s
self-reported history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer
specific score-related recommendations.
ACDI tests are administered, scored and reports
are printed on-site. Within 2½ minutes from test data entry, automated
(computer-scored) 3-page reports are available on-site. These reports summarize
a wealth of information in an easily understood format. For example, these
reports include an ACDI profile (graph), which summarizes juvenile findings at
a glance. Also included are explanations of what each score means and specific
score-related recommendations. Significant items (direct admissions) are
highlighted and answers to the built-in interview (the last sequence of
multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis has been placed on having
meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood. An ACDI
example report is presented at the end of this webpage. To go directly to
this report, click on the
ACDI Example Report link.
Advantages of Screening
Screening and assessment instruments filter out
individuals 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 risk range table shows that
a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70th percentile
or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon the thousands of
troubled youths that have taken the ACDI. This procedure is eminently fair and
it avoids both extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of
problems.
A court, department or agency's policy might refer
juveniles with severe problems for further evaluation or treatment. In that
case, 11% of the people screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. In this
example, 89% of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and
expensive) services.
Budgetary savings
(dollars) would be large with no compromises in needy juveniles receiving
appropriate evaluation and/or treatment services. Indeed, more needy juveniles
would receive help. Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of
over or under-utilization of additional professional services.
ACDI Software
The ACDI is available in MS-DOS or Windows
formatted test diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain their own software. In
contrast, Windows diskettes require a simple one-time computer setup procedure
after which ACDI data (25 or 50 test applications) diskettes are used.
Training manuals are provided free, and new test
users can be walked through these procedures over Risk & Needs Assessment,
Inc.'s (Risk & Needs') telephone line.
Proprietary ACDI data diskettes contains 25 or 50
test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print ACDI
reports on-site. Once an ACDI account is established, ordered diskettes are
mailed to users. When all test applications are used, diskettes are returned to
Risk & Needs where the test data and demographics are downloaded into the
ACDI database for subsequent research analysis. The proprietary "delete names"
program is activated by test users with a few keystrokes to delete all names
from the diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all
client names insures juvenile confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA
(federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
ACDI
Database
The ACDI system contains a proprietary database.
Earlier, it was noted that all ACDI used diskettes are returned to Risk &
Needs, and the test data along with related demographics are downloaded into
the ACDI database. This expanding database allows ongoing research and testing
program summary capabilities that were not possible before. Ongoing research
insures quality control. Test program summaries provide program
self-evaluation.
Built-In Database
The built-in database permits ongoing research and
annual program summary – at no additional cost. When the 25 or 50 tests on a
diskette are used, that diskette is returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded
into the ACDI database. Advantages of a built-in database are many and include
database (research) analysis and the provision of annual summary reports. The
ACDI is restandardized annually on a state-by-state basis at no additional cost
to users.
In summary, having all used ACDI tests' data
centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices in the ACDI database has many
advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that
includes scale alpha coefficients, frequency distributions, correlations,
ANOVA, cross-tab statistics along with reliability, validity and accuracy
determinations.
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.
BDS's 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.
Reliability and Validity
The ACDI has a built-in database that insures
inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. And,
these reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the
document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Database analysis
continues to demonstrate that ACDI scales maintain very high reliability
coefficients.
For example, internal consistencies (coefficient
alphas) for ACDI scales are reported below for 1,042 juveniles screened in the
year 2001.
All ACDI 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.
Early validity studies used criterion measures and
were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality
Inventory (MMPI) L and F-Scales, 16PF, Treatment Intervention Inventory,
MacAndrews, Juvenile Profile, experienced staff ratings, etc. Much of this
research is reported in the document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific
Findings." To go directly to this research, click on the ACDI Research link.
Relationships between ACDI and
ACDI-Corrections Version II scales
The ACDI-Corrections Version II is a corrections
version of the ACDI where the Violence Scale was added, but the other scales
remained the same. Pearson Product-Moment correlation coefficients between ACDI
scale scores and ACDI-CV II scale scores are presented in the table below.
Scales
|
Truthfulness Scale
|
Alcohol
Scale
|
Drugs
Scale
|
Adjustment
Scale
|
Distress
Scale
|
|
Correlation Coefficient |
r = .99
|
r = .99
|
r = .99
|
r = .99
|
r = .98
|
Two different samples of juveniles were used in
this correlation analysis, and each youth took only the ACDI or the ACDI-CV II.
To test the correlation between scale scores, the data for each scale was
sorted in ascending order. This type of correlation was used because different
respondents took different tests. But, because the scales and respondents were
similar, the correlations are meaningful. There were 2,084 youths included in
this analysis (1,042 for each test). Such high correlation coefficients
demonstrate that ACDI and ACDI-CV II scales are reliable and valid.
Staff Member Input
Some people advocate fully automated assessment;
Risk & Needs does not. The ACDI is to be used in conjunction with
experienced staff judgment. Experienced evaluators should also interview the
youth. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each ACDI
report: "ACDI reports are confidential and should be considered working
hypotheses. No decision should be based solely upon ACDI results. ACDI results
are to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment."
Unique
Features
The
Truthfulness Scale measures how truthful and open the
juvenile was while completing the ACDI. This scale identifies denial, problem
minimization and faking. Many troubled youths attempt to minimize their
problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary
juvenile assessment. The ACDI Truthfulness Scale has been validated with other
tests, truthfulness studies and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
(MMPI) L and F-Scales. It consists of a number of items that most juveniles
agree or disagree with. This important scale has been demonstrated to be
reliable, valid and accurate. Much of this normative research is reported in
the document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."
Truth-Corrected scores
have proven to be very important in enhancing assessment accuracy. This
proprietary truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale
correction methodology. The ACDI Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with
the other four ACDI 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 trying to hide.
Adjustment Scale:
Measures the youth’s ability to adapt, conform and function. This scale
recognizes personal and social stressors at home, school and in authority
relationships. It incorporates personal and social forces involved in adapting
to one’s environment.
Distress Scale:
Measures the youth’s experienced pain, suffering, anxiety and depression. The
blending of symptom clusters is clear in the definition of dysphoria, i.e., a
generalized feeling of anxiety, restlessness and depression. Distress
incorporates unhappiness, dissatisfaction, worry apprehension, etc. The
Distress Scale also incorporates items symptomatic of anxiety and depression.
Distress has broad applicability in adjustment, intervention, counseling and
outcome.
More than just another
alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the ACDI
assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, distress and
adjustment. The ACDI is designed specifically for juvenile (male and female)
assessment. It provides the information needed for understanding juvenile
attitudes and behavior. An ACDI example report can be viewed by clicking on the
ACDI Example Report link.
Three ways to give the ACDI: The ACDI can be administered in
three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil
test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. English and Spanish
test booklets are available. 2. ACDI
tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some youth programs
dedicate computers for on-screen testing. And, 3.
Human voice audio is available for English and Spanish speaking youths. This
involves a computer and a headset. The juvenile uses the up-down arrow keys. As
the juvenile goes from question to answer with the arrow key, that question or
answer is highlighted on the monitor (screen) and simultaneously read to the
juvenile. These three administration modes are discussed in the "ACDI:
Orientation and Training Manual." Each test administration mode has advantages
and some limitations. Risk & Needs offers these three test administration
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 youths tested. This represents a serious
problem to many other juvenile tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has
developed a proprietary alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is
termed "human voice audio."
Human Voice Audio
(in English or Spanish) helps resolve many reading, along with cultural
difference, issues. Passive vocabularies are often greater than active
vocabularies. Hearing items read often helps reduce both cultural and
communication problems. As discussed earlier, "human voice audio" test
presentation requires a computer, earphones and simple instructions regarding
how to operate the up-down arrow keys located on the computer keyboard. Without
this "human voice audio" option, a juvenile screening program could be limited.
Confidentiality:
Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete juvenile names from
diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. This proprietary name
deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes. 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 ACDI database for
subsequent analysis. This procedure insures juvenile confidentiality and
compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).
Test Data Input
Verification: This proprietary program allows the person that inputs
the 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 may
continue. Use of this data entry verification procedure is optional, yet it is
strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.
Inventory of Scientific
Findings: Much of the ACDI research has been gathered together in
one document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document
summarizes ACDI research chronologically -- as the studies were completed. This
rather innovative chronological reporting format was established largely
because of the ACDI database, which permits annual database analysis of all
tests administered. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the
ACDI into its current state-of-the-art position.
Orientation and
Training Manual: The "ACDI: Orientation and Training Manual"
(O&T Manual) explains how the ACDI works. This manual is a must read for
staff that will be using the ACDI. O&T Manual content includes, but is not
limited to, the following: testing instructions; an explanation of how scores
are derived; an interpretation of how school, treatment agencies, intake
personnel and counselors' information is used in the scoring methodology; a
description of unique ACDI features and much more.
Computer Operating
Guide: Some computer operators want more information
than others. Consequently, Risk & Needs provides a 1-Page Quick Start,
which includes basic instructions for scoring, and a more comprehensive
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 or storing reports and much more.
Staff
Training: Risk & Needs' staff is
available to participate in ACDI training programs scheduled by test users in
the United States. Large departments/agencies or statewide programs often are
interested in ACDI staff training. Certificates attesting to training
completion are provided.
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.
"What Users Are
Saying..."
"The Adolescent Chemical Dependency Inventory
(ACDI) format is focused, sequential, and easy to read. The over-lay between
the print-out and staff assessment has been a perfect fit. The staff response
is 'right-on-target.' The scope of the analysis is broad, but concise. Our
tested population falls into a normal, bell-curve distribution. The diskette
allows us to give a same week guarantee, same day probability, and same hour
feedback appropriate for the identified problems. Finally, the option for
telephone consultation is of significant value if or when needed - which for
this office has been perhaps twice over the past eleven months (in a word or
two - its trouble free!)."
Porter County Juvenile Probation Office, Indiana
"We have been using the Adolescent Chemical
Dependency Inventory (ACDI) in our standardized youth intake evaluations for
two years now. The ACDI has had many positive advantages to our clients, staff
and in terms of our mission, i.e., to provide the highest quality of service to
those in need at affordable prices. The availability of test results within the
same day enables us to focus our interviews and thereby save significant staff
time. Test results are summarized in an easily understood manner regarding our
client’s problems, situation and needs. Client risk levels are summarized at a
glance and recommendations are both relevant and helpful. This objective and
reliable information does provide us with a 'sound basis for decisions making.'
The ACDI shortens our intake procedures, aids us in cutting through denial and
facilitates intervention."
National Council on Alcoholism, Inc., Arizona
"I am writing to indicate how pleased we are with
the ACDI. This screening instrument provides us with an enormous amount of
invaluable information at a fraction of the cost of any alternatives. As you
know troubled youth with a strenuous eight day program in the Northern Flinders
Ranges and a reliable initial screening program for prospective participants is
essential . . . Over time the ACDI will allow us to develop a much better
psychological profile of the youth who experience Operation Flinders."
Operation Flinders, National Curriculum &
Training, Australia
"I received the ACDI summary report as requested
earlier this month, and wanted to thank you for not only your prompt response
but also the information the report itself contains.
It is very difficult for small court systems,
like ours, to have the means to compile statistical data on issues other than
those which are legislatively mandated. So many times, needed data, such as
which your summary covered, is unavailable due to the inability of the system
to have the financial resources or technical knowledge base needed. The summary
report gives me the ability to now approach community leaders with hard data
confirming demographic trends and treatment needs that I am aware of but could
not substantiate. Now, future treatment planning that would have not occurred
because of lack of data will occur.
Again, thank you for making the summary report
available as part of the cost of the instrument itself. We, at TASC, will
continue to use the assessment instruments developed by your company and will
also continue to recommend them for use in future Ohio Juvenile TASC programs."
TASC, Common Pleas Court, Ohio
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.
Scale Interpretation: There are several
levels of scale interpretation ranging from viewing the ACDI and the
ACDI-Corrections Version II as self-reports to interpreting scale elevations
and scale interrelationships. A discussion of scale interpretation is
presented in the ACDI-Corrections Version II webpage. Interested parties should
click on this Scale
Interpretation link.
Test Unit Fee (Cost): ACDI cost information can be reviewed
by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link. There is only
the one cost or charge, and that is the test unit fee. Everything else is
included at no additional cost to the test user. This includes test booklets,
answer sheets, training manuals, upgrades, ongoing database research, annual
summary testing reports, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled
by some test publishers' à la carte pricing like separate costs for each test
administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed above.
Instead of asking for the test administration cost, ask for the total cost
involved in using a test. We believe Risk & Needs' one test unit fee is
very affordable.
Free Examination Kit: A 1-test ACDI
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), an "ACDI: 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
or Risk & Needs test users can reorder tests by mail, 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 Orders 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.
Selecting a Juvenile Screening Instrument or Test
If you are selecting a juvenile assessment
instrument, the following Comparison Checklist should prove helpful. This
checklist itemizes important assessment and screening qualities. The "Other"
column represents any other test you might want to compare to the ACDI.
