ACDI-CORRECTIONS VERSION II
Designed for Juvenile (Male & Female) Assessment

The ACDI-Corrections Version II is a comprehensive juvenile (male and female) assessment or screening test. It is used in juvenile courts (drug courts, family courts, municipal courts, etc.), probation departments, community corrections and treatment programs. If the intent is to identify disturbed and/or violent juveniles so they can be helped, you should consider the ACDI-Corrections Version II. It is appropriate for misdemeanor and felony cases. The ACDI-Corrections Version II has impressively demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy.

Description

The ACDI-Corrections Version II (Version II) is an automated (computer-scored) juvenile assessment instrument or test. It consists of 140 items and takes 25 to 30 minutes to complete. Version II contains seven measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, 4. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 5. Distress Scale, 6. Adjustment Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

Seven Scales (Measures)

The seven ACDI-Corrections Version II scales are described as follows:

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures the juvenile’s truthfulness while completing the test. It identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and faking. The Truthfulness Scale detects faking good.
    

2. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol use, the severity of abuse and the presence of alcohol-related problems. "Alcohol" refers to beer, wine and other liquors.
    

3. Drugs Scale: Measures illicit drug use and the severity of abuse. "Drugs" refers to marijuana (pot), crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. This scale is independent of the Alcohol Scale described above.
    

4. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies the youth’s danger to self and others.
    

5. Distress Scale: Measures strain imposed by pain, worry, anxiety, depression, physical torment or suffering. Distress is the most common reason for juveniles to seek counseling.
    

6. Adjustment Scale: Measures the youth’s ability to adapt, conform and function. This scale recognizes personal and social stressors at home, at school and in authority relationships. It incorporates personal and social forces involved in adapting to one’s environment.
    

7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures the youth’s ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure. Stress exacerbates symptoms of emotional and mental health problems. This scale is a non-introversive way to screen for the presence of established emotional and mental health problems.

ACDI: THE SHORTER 5 SCALE VERSION

As noted earlier, the ACDI-Corrections Version II, or Version II, has 7 measures (scales), consists of 140 items, has a Violence (Lethality) Scale and takes 30 minutes to complete. The Adolescent Chemical Dependency Inventory, or ACDI, is a shorter version (105 items), does not have the Violence (Lethality) Scale and takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete. The ACDI has 5 scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Adjustment Scale, 3. Distress Scale, 4. Alcohol Scale, 5. Drugs Scale. To go directly to the ACDI web page, click on the ACDI link. The choice is yours.

* * * * *

Why use the ACDI-Corrections Version II? While adult crime rates have recently fallen across the U.S., they have risen among the nation's youth. For example, as the adult arrest rate for murder fell from 1978 to 1993, the juvenile murder rate rose by 77%. And, at the same time, the arrest rate of youth for all violent crimes climbed 79%. These statistics underscore the need for meaningful and accurate juvenile assessment. Early detection of troubled youths' problems facilitates quicker intervention and treatment. This type of information also helps in deciding upon counseling, treatment, probation, levels of supervision and incarceration alternatives. The ACDI-Corrections Version II is designed to meet these needs. It is much more than just another alcohol or drug test. Version II’s seven scales (measures) acquire important information often missed by other tests.

"Appropriate for Misdemeanor and Felony Offenders"

At one sitting of approximately 30 minutes in duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of juvenile-related information, which includes attitudes, substance abuse involvement, acting out (violence) propensity, perceived distress and coping behaviors. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved treatment results.

 

Advantages of Screening

Screening or assessment instruments filter out individuals with serious problems that may re-quire 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-Corrections Version II. This procedure is eminently fair, and it avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A state, department, juvenile court, family and juvenile drug court or agency policy might refer clients with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention or treatment. In this case, 31% of the youths screened (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might only refer clients with serious problems (Severe Problem, 11%) for additional services. In these examples, 69% or 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) services.

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

The ACDI-Corrections Version II scales identify the areas it screens. And, these scales (measures) are: 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Drugs Scale, 4. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 5. Distress Scale, 6. Adjustment Scale and 7. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

Test Booklets

ACDI-Corrections Version II test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 140 items (true/false and multiple choice) and are written at a 5th to 6th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the ACDI-Corrections Version II. It takes on average 25 to 30 minutes to complete this test. Test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, ACDI-Corrections Version II 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) 4-page reports are printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format. For example, these reports include a Version II profile (graph), which summarizes troubled youth findings 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 multiple choice items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood. To go directly to the example ACDI-Corrections Version II report click on the ACDI-Corrections Version II Report link. After reviewing the report you can return to this section by clicking on the "Return to ACDI-CV II Reports Section" link.

"Provides a sound empirical basis for decisions"

Software

The ACDI-Corrections Version II is available on MS-DOS or Windows diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which Version II data diskettes are used to score and print reports. 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 at (602) 234-3506.

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

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

Database

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

Built-in database. Version II permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50-test diskettes are used, these diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, checked for viruses and downloaded into the expanding Version II database. Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include database (research) analysis and annual testing program summary reports.

Returned diskettes can be summarized on a state, department or agency basis -- at no additional cost to users. Annual summary reports provide information that permits testing program review. To critique an example summary report, click on the Annual Summary Reports link.

In summary, having all returned ACDI-Corrections Version II test data centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices in the Version II database has many advantages. Database analysis permits ongoing cost efficient research that includes scale alpha coefficients, ANOVA, frequency distributions, correlations, and 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. 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.

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy

The ACDI-Corrections Version II has a built-in proprietary database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. Over 52,000 juveniles’ test data are represented in the ACDI and ACDI-Corrections Version II database. These reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis demonstrates that ACDI-Corrections Version II scales have very high reliability coefficients with minimum interscale correlations.

For example, internal consistencies (alpha coefficients) for ACDI-Corrections Version II scales are reported in the following table for some troubled youth (N=2,180) screened in the year 2002. This is only one among many year 2002 samples.

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

ACDI-Corrections Version II research extends over 12 years. Many studies have been conducted on thousands of juveniles using several validation methods. Early studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, Juvenile Profile, MMPI MacAndrews Scale, MMPI Psychopathic Deviate, MMPI Taylor Manifest Anxiety, MMPI Depression Scale, MMPI Manifest Hostility Scale, MMPI Delinquency Scale, MMPI Family Discord Scale, etc.

Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, many discriminant and predictive validity database analysis based studies support Version II's reliability, validity and accuracy.  ACDI-Corrections Version II norms are based on over 52,000 juveniles (male and female). These norms are updated annually for each Version II scale. And, separate norms are available for gender (male and female) and ethnicity (Caucasian, Black, Hispanic). This database research is ongoing. To review an ACDI-Corrections Version II Research Study, click on the ACDI-Corrections Version II Research Study 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-Corrections Version II scale scores are presented in the table below.

Two different samples of juveniles were used in this correlation analysis, and each youth took only the ACDI or the ACDI-Corrections Version 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-Corrections Version II scales are reliable and valid.

Research Publication: Nebraska Probation Department's Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) selection process was automated with Risk & Needs tests. These tests include the Driver Risk Inventory-II, SAQ-Adult Probation III, Domestic Violence Inventory and the ACDI-Corrections Version II. This research is reported in Edward C. Birkel and David L. Wegner's article (2000). "Accurate Intensive Supervision Probation Selection: Revisited." American Probation and Parole Association, Perspectives, Vol. 24, #4 Fall, pp. 18-21. To read this article click on the Perspectives Research Article link.

Fairness goes beyond reliability and validity. The term applies to test accuracy for demographic groups like age, gender and ethnicity. Version II scale scoring equations are adjusted, as warranted, on an annual basis to insure fairness.

Staff Member Input: The ACDI-Corrections Version II is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, juvenile court and adjustment records should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or incorrectly provided by the juvenile. Experienced staff should also interview the client. For these reasons, the following statement is contained on each Version II report: "ACDI - Corrections Version II  results  are confidential and should be considered working hypotheses. No decision should be based solely upon these  results. The ACDI - Corrections Version II  is  to be used in conjunction with  experienced staff judgment." Space is also provided in ACDI-Corrections Version II reports for staff input.

UNIQUE FEATURES

The Truthfulness Scale measures how truthful and open the juvenile was while completing the ACDI-Corrections Version II. 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-Corrections Version II 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-Corrections Version II Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other six Version II scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth Correction 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.

"Includes a Violence (Lethality) Scale"

The Violence (Lethality) Scale measures the juvenile’s propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. It identifies the youth’s danger to self and others. The burgeoning awareness of adolescent violence (lethality) in our society resulted in the inclusion of the Violence Scale in the ACDI-Corrections Version II. When screening violence or lethality potential is important, we recommend you use the ACDI-Corrections Version II.

The 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.

The Stress Coping Abilities Scale measures how well the juvenile handles stress, tension and pressure. This scale goes beyond establishing whether or not a juvenile is experiencing stress. It determines how well the youth handles or copes with stress. How well a person handles stress can effect their adjustment and mental health. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. Consequently, this scale is a non-introversive way to screen established (diagnosable) mental health problems. A juvenile scoring at or above the 90^th percentile on the Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, as warranted. This important area of inquiry is missed by most other juvenile screening instruments.

More than just another alcohol or drug test: In addition to alcohol and drugs, the ACDI-Corrections Version II assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality), distress, adjustment and stress coping abilities. The ACDI-Corrections Version II is designed specifically for juvenile (male and female) assessment. It provides the information needed for understanding juvenile attitudes and behavior.

Three ways to give Version II: The ACDI-Corrections Version II 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. Version II tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some youth offender programs dedicate computers for on-screen testing. 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 keys, 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.

"Demonstrated Reliability, Validity and Accuracy"

Reading Impaired Assessment: Reading impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of youth 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 problems 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" 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-Corrections Version II 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-Corrections Version II research has been gathered together in one document titled "ACDI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes Version II research chronologically -- as the studies were completed.

This rather innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the Version II database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the ACDI-Corrections Version II into its current state-of-the-art position.

To review an ACDI-Corrections Version II Research Study, click on the ACDI-Corrections Version II Research Study link. This research study link is also provided at the end of this webpage.

Orientation and Training Manual: The ACDI-Corrections Version II Orientation and Training Manual (O&T Manual) explains how Version II works. This manual is a must read for staff that will be using Version II. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: testing instructions, explanation of how scores are derived, interpretation of how court and corrections information is used in the scoring methodology, description of unique Version II features and much 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 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 reports and much more.

Staff Training: Risk & Needs staff is available to participate in ACDI-Corrections Version II training programs scheduled by test users in the United States. Large departments, agencies or statewide programs often are interested in Version II staff training. Sometimes, smaller agencies or departments get together for a joint training session on the ACDI-Corrections Version II. This training can include hands-on computer scoring. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their ACDI-Corrections Version II 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.

"Appropriate for Family and Juvenile Drug Courts"

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): ACDI-Corrections Version II 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 demo diskette is available on a 30-day cost free basis. Demo diskettes are in MS-DOS format so that all the software is contained on the diskette. Examination kits contain the demonstration diskette, test booklets and training materials. Risk & Needs does want the demonstration diskette and test booklet returned within 30 days. 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.

Other Risk & Needs Tests

Risk & Needs has developed different tests for different offender populations and different assessment purposes. Adult and juvenile tests are available. The Tests Functionally Grouped link on the left side of this webpage includes most Risk & Needs tests. Similarly, the Tests Alphabetically Listed webpage contains most of Risk & Needs' tests.

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-Corrections Version II.

The research study titled "Juvenile Offender Assessment: Validation of the ACDI-Corrections Version II" is an important validation study. There were 8,405 juvenile offenders in this research. Impressive reliability, validity and accuracy are demonstrated. This study demonstrates that the ACDI-Corrections Version II is a reliable, valid and accurate juvenile offender test. To examine this study click on the ACDI-Corrections Version II Research Study link.