ADULT PRESENTENCE
EVALUATION
Misdemeanor and Felony Assessment
The Adult
Presentence Evaluation (APE) can be administered to the defendant
prior to sentencing. It is designed to provide helpful information to court
service personnel, judges, jail administrators and attorneys. The APE can be
administered at any of several stages in the defendant’s proceedings, such as
prior to formal charges being filed, before the defendant’s initial court
appearance, prior to initial services or probable cause hearings, in advance of
pretrial-release decisions, ahead of preliminary/grand jury hearings, at
prescreening prior to sentencing and litigation, after an indictment is issued
or before diversion program decisions are made. The Adult Presentence
Evaluation (APE) can be administered by professional evaluators (assessment)
staff, court evaluators, probation departments and mental health professionals.
The APE can be used in misdemeanor and felony cases. It can also be given to
men and women. The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) focuses upon
understanding the defendant’s attitudes and behavior.
Applications
|
**
Adult Presentence Evaluation **
|
-
Assessment of defendants at presentence, before
or after conviction.
-
Administered for hearing officers, prosecutors,
defense attorneys and judges.
-
Administered by court service personnel, jail
administrators and corrections staff.
-
Administered by community services programs and
mental health professionals.
-
Administered by probation departments and
community corrections.
-
Evaluation of defendants for diversion program
eligibility.
-
Drug court adult (male and female) defendant
evaluation.
|
Seven Scales (Measures)
The seven Adult Presentence Evaluation
(APE) scales (measures) include:
Truthfulness Scale: Measures the
truthfulness of the defendant while completing the APE. The Truthfulness Scale
identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
Resistance Scale: Measures
defensiveness, non-compliance and oppositional behavior. This scale score
varies directly with the defendant’s attitude, feelings and outlook.
Violence (Lethality) Scale:
Measures a defendant’s probability of injuring, damaging or destroying. This
scale is characterized by coercion, use of excessive force and brutality. This
scale identifies dangerous people.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale:
Measures a defendant’s ability to cope effectively with stress. Stress
exacerbates mental health and emotional problem-related symptoms.
Substance Abuse/Dependency
Scale: Utilizes DSM-IV criteria to classify substance (alcohol and
other drugs) abuse and dependency. This is a classification, not a measurement,
scale.
Alcohol Scale: Measures
the severity of alcohol use and/or abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and
other liquor.
Drugs Scale: Measures
the severity of illicit drug (marijuana, crack, cocaine, amphetamines,
barbiturates and heroin) use and/or abuse.
* * * * *
The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE)
assesses attitudes and behaviors, yielding a defendant profile. The APE
contains 158 items and takes 35 minutes to complete. APE’s are scored on-site,
and reports are printed within 2½ minutes of data entry.
The APE was developed specifically for
adult (male and female) presentence evaluation. It is much more than just
another alcohol or drug test. Consequently, it measures important behaviors
missed by other tests.
The APE is a test. Consequently, it can
be administered in an objective and standardized manner. And, as a test, it has
demonstrated reliability, validity and accuracy.
Why Use the APE?
At the presentence level, it is
important to determine the defendant’s problems and needs. Early problem
detection facilitates important defendant awareness and, as warranted, quicker
intervention and treatment. This type of information helps in understanding the
defendant, their presenting situation (case) and possible contributing factors.
On the other hand, it’s equally important to know when the defendant is problem
free.
At one sitting of approximately 30 to 35
minutes’ duration, the court can acquire a vast amount of defendant
information. As discussed earlier, early problem identification facilitates
timely treatment.
Advantages of Screening
Screening or assessment instruments
filter out individuals with problems. This filtering system works as follows:
|
APE Risk Ranges
|
Risk
Category
|
Risk Range
Percentile
|
Total
Percentage
|
|
Low Risk
|
0 - 39%
|
39%
|
|
Medium Risk
|
40 - 69%
|
30%
|
Problem Risk
|
70 - 89%
|
20%
|
Severe Problem
|
90 -100%
|
11%
|
Reference to the above 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 suspects/defendants
that have completed the APE. This procedure is fair and avoids extremes, i.e.,
over-identification and under-identification of problems.
In the cases
represented in the above table, 11% of the people screened (Severe Problem)
might be referred for a more comprehensive psychological evaluation and/or
treatment. Or, suspects with problems (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) could
be referred for additional services. In these examples, 89% or 69% (contingent
upon the adopted policy) of the people screened would not be referred for
additional (and unnecessary) services.
Savings (dollars) could be large
with no compromises in defendants receiving appropriate evaluation and/or
treatment services. Indeed, it is likely that more suspects would receive help.
Without a screening program, there is usually more risk of over or
under-utilization of additional professional services.
It is important to establish the
defendant’s attitudinal, emotional, substance abuse and behavioral problems so
that the court understands the person appearing before it. At the risk of over
simplicity, the APE clarifies many of the defendant’s strengths and weaknesses.
Sometimes, it helps to review the APE scales (areas of inquiry or measures)
from that perspective. The seven APE scales (measures) include:
1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Resistance
Scale, 3. Violence (Lethality) Scale,
4. Stress Coping Abilities Scale, 5. Alcohol
Scale, 6. Drugs Scale and 7.
the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale.
The Truthfulness Scale determines how
truthful the defendant was while completing the APE. The Resistance Scale
indicates how compliant and cooperative the defendant is. The Violence
(Lethality) Scale establishes how dangerous the defendant is to self and
others. The Stress Coping Abilities Scale filters out established emotional and
mental health problems. The Alcohol Scale quantifies alcohol use and abuse
severity. Similarly, the Drugs Scale measures the severity of illicit drug
abuse. And, the Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale classifies defendants as
substance abusers, substance dependent or non-pathological substance users
according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) criteria. Many
expert witnesses consider this test to be comprehensive.
Test Booklets
APE test booklets are provided free.
These booklets contain 158 items and are written at a 5th to 6th
grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the APE
test booklet.
Reports
In brief, Adult Presentence
Evaluation (APE) reports summarize the suspect’s self-report history, present
empirically based scale scores, explain what attained scale scores mean and
offer specific score-related recommendations. An example APE report is
presented at the end of this webpage. You can go directly to this example
report by clicking on this
APE Example Report link.
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,
reports include an APE profile (graph), which summarizes all scale scores at a
glance. Also included are 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 Multiple Choice
items (last sequence of items) are presented. Emphasis is placed on having
concise yet meaningful reports that are helpful and easily understood.
Reliability and Validity
The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE)
has a proprietary built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered
tests in a confidential (no names) manner. APE reliability, validity and
accuracy are reported in the document titled "APE: An Inventory of Scientific
Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that APE scales have
impressively high reliability and validity coefficients.
For example, coefficient alphas for the
Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) scales are reported in the following table
for defendants tested with the APE.
APE Reliability (N=1,996, 2002)
|
APE
Scales
|
Coefficient
Alpha
|
Significance
Level
|
|
Truthfulness Scale |
.88 |
p<.001
|
|
Resistance Scale |
.85 |
p<.001
|
|
Violence Scale |
.88 |
p<.001
|
|
Alcohol Scale |
.95 |
p<.001
|
|
Drugs Scale |
.92 |
p<.001
|
|
Stress Coping Abilities Scale |
.92 |
p<.001
|
|
Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale |
.94 |
p<.001
|
All APE scales have alpha coefficients
above the professionally accepted standard of .75 and are highly reliable. And,
all coefficient alphas are significant at the p<.001 level.
Early studies used criterion measures,
and APE scales were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16 PF, MacAndrews, SAQ-Adult
Probation III, Defendant Questionnaire, etc. Much of this research is
summarized in the document titled "APE: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."
Subsequently, discriminant and predictive validity database studies further
support APE reliability, validity and accuracy.
APE research is presented at the
end of this webpage. To go directly to this research, click on the
APE Research Study
link.
Software
The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) is
available in MS-DOS or Windows diskettes. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their
own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure
after which APE data (25 or 50 test applications) diskettes are used to score
and print reports. Training manuals are provided free, and new test users can
be walked through APE scoring procedures over the telephone.
Proprietary APE diskettes contain 25 or
50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print
reports on-site. Once an APE account is established, diskettes are mailed to
users. Approximately 97% of orders are filled and mailed back to users the same
day. When all test applications on a diskette are used, diskettes are returned
to Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) where demographics and
test data are downloaded into the APE database for subsequent database
analysis.
The proprietary "delete names" program is
activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all respondent names
from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Deleting all
client names insures protection of each respondent’s confidentiality
and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R.
164.501).
Manuals
The "APE: Orientation and Training
Manual" explains how the APE works and should be read by staff. The "APE:
Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports
and discusses other unique computer-related features. These manuals are
provided free.
Database
The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE)
system contains a proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all
used APE diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data is
downloaded into the expanding APE database. This 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. And, these features are provided free.
Built-in Database
The Adult Presentence
Evaluation (APE) permits ongoing research and annual program summary -- at no
additional cost. As discussed earlier, when the 25 or 50 tests on a diskette
are used, used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs and downloaded into
the expanding APE database. Advantages of this proprietary database are many
and include database (research) analysis along with annual summary reports.
Returned tests
contained on the 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. An example summary report can
be reviewed by clicking on the Annual Summary Reports
link.
In summary, all returned Adult
Presentence Evaluation (APE) diskettes' test data is centrally filed at Risk
& Needs' offices in the expanding APE 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 APE research study can be reviewed by clicking on
the APE Research Study
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 reviewed by clicking on this
Annual Summary Reports link.
Staff Member Input
The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) is to be used in
conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court records
should be reviewed, as they can contain important information not provided or
incorrectly provided by the respondent. Experienced staff should interview the
defendant. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each APE
report: "Adult Presentence Evaluation results are confidential and are
considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely
upon these results. These test results are to be used in conjunction with
experienced staff judgment and review of available records."
Why Develop
the APE?
At the adult presentence stage of court processing, decisions must be made
regarding pretrial release, diversion program options, and formal charges.
Adult Presentence Evaluation reports can help prosecutors, attorneys, court
staff, probation officers and mental health professionals better understand the
accused's strengths and weaknesses. There are many misdemeanor and felony cases
in which questions are raised concerning status, attitudes, beliefs and
behavioral predispositions. The APE provides an objective and standardized
assessment of many important areas of inquiry. An example report can be
reviewed by clicking on the
APE Example Report link.
How Do You Identify Problem Minimization?
Sometimes, the accused minimize, exaggerate or distort the
truth. Sometimes, this denial is deliberate, yet many times it’s inadvertent.
People want to appear in a good light, particularly in a court setting. Yet, in
most cases, it is important to determine whether or not the accused is telling
the truth. The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) contains a Truthfulness
Scale.
The Truthfulness Scale determines how truthful the accused was
while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization
and attempts to fake good. And, the APE doesn’t stop there.
Error of measurement due to untruthfulness is measured for each
APE scale and reported as Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are
more accurate than raw scores. Many evaluators won’t use a test, particularly
in court-related settings, that doesn’t have a Truthfulness Scale.
Unique APE
Features
Truthfulness Scale:
Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that many
defendants attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a
necessary component in contemporary tests. The Adult Presentence Evaluation's
(APE's) Truthfulness Scale has been validated with the Minnesota Multiphasic
Personality Inventory (MMPI), polygraph exams, other tests, truthfulness
studies and experienced staff judgment. The APE's Truthfulness Scale has been
demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. In some respects, the APE's
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's K-Scale correction. The Adult
Presentence Evaluation (APE) Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the
other 6 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 defendant wants you to know.
Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the defendant is attempting to hide.
Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures
how well the defendant 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. A person scoring at or above the 90th percentile on the
Stress Coping Abilities Scale should be referred to a certified mental health
professional for a more comprehensive evaluation, diagnoses and treatment plan.
This important area of inquiry is missed by many other assessment tests.
The Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale: Categorizes defendants
as substance abusers or substance dependent individuals in accordance with
DSM-IV criteria. Other defendant tests without this scale cannot classify
defendants according to DSM-IV criteria. Such classification augments the
Alcohol Scale and Drugs Scale's severity of abuse measures. The American
Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) notes there are exceptions to DSM-IV
classification, and these exceptions are made according to the severity of the
defendant’s substance abuse. In other words, exceptions to DSM-IV substance
(alcohol and other drugs) abuse/dependency classification can be determined by
the severity of abuse. The severity of a defendant’s substance abuse determines
their recommended levels of intervention or treatment.
More than just another alcohol or drug test.
In addition to alcohol and drugs, the Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE)
assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, denial and faking,
resistance, emotional/mental health problems, etc. The APE is specifically
designed for defendant screening.
Resistance Scale: Measures
defensiveness, resistance to help and uncooperativeness. This scale varies
directly with the defendant’s attitude and outlook. Some people resist help;
whereas, others accept it.
Three ways to give the APE. The Adult Presentence Evaluation
(APE) can be administered in three different ways: 1.
Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. APE
English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available.
2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen in either
English or Spanish. And, 3. Human voice audio in
English or Spanish is available. These three test administration modes are
discussed in the "APE: 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 defendants represent 20+ percent of the defendants tested.
This represents a serious problem to other assessment tests. Risk & Needs
has developed an alternative for dealing with this problem: Human Voice Audio.
Human
Voice Audio: Presentation of the Adult Presentence
Evaluation (APE) is in English and Spanish. Defendants’ 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 defendant to the
up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio is an
alternative approach for screening reading impaired defendants.
Confidentiality: Risk
& Needs encourages test users to delete defendant names from diskettes
before they are returned to Risk & Needs. Once defendant names are deleted,
they are gone and cannot be retrieved. Deleting defendant names does not delete
demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the APE database for
subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few
keystrokes and insures defendant 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 Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) research has been gathered
together in a document titled "APE: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This
document summarizes APE research chronologically -- as the studies were
completed. This chronological reporting format was established largely because
of the APE database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests
administered.
Orientation and Training Manual:
The "APE: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the
Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) works. It is a must read for staff that will
be using the APE. 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 APE 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 APE’s, and a more comprehensive "APE: 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 Adult
Presentence Evaluation (APE) training programs 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 APE training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer
scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to
their APE 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.
Automated Criminogenic Structured Interview (ACSI): The ACSI
is a structured interview, not a test. The ACSI
consists of 65 multiple choice items. It obtains comprehensive background
history, pattern of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and criminogenic
needs information. Whatever multiple choice item answer that is selected is
printed in the ACSI report. Use of the ACSI is voluntary (not required). The
ACSI is free. ACSI use is restricted to users of
Risk & Needs adult tests. The ACSI is not a
test, and it is not to be used as a standalone
test. The ACSI is a structured interview. For more information on the ACSI and
to see an ACSI report, click on this ACSI link.
Test Unit
Fee (Cost): Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) cost
information can be reviewed by clicking on the Test Unit Fee (Cost) link.
There is only the one fee or 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 test
program summaries, staff training, and support services. Do not be misled by
some test publishers' à la carte pricing, which involves separate costs for
each test administration as well as for each of the test-related items listed
above. Instead of asking for test administration cost, ask for the total cost
involved in using a test. Risk & Needs' test unit fee is very competitively
priced. And, it is very affordable.
Free
Examination Kit: A 1-test APE 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 "APE: 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.
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.
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 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.
Selecting a Presentence Evaluation Assessment Test for Adults
If you are selecting a presentence screening tool for adults,
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 APE.
TEST COMPARISON CHECKLIST
|
COMPARISON CATEGORIES
|
APE
|
Other
|
|
Designed Specifically for Adult Presentence
Evaluation |
Yes
|
|
|
Test Reliability and Validity Research Provided |
Yes
|
|
|
Test Completed in 30 to 35 Minutes |
Yes
|
|
|
Reports within 2½ Minutes On-Site |
Yes
|
|
|
Truthfulness Scale to Detect Minimization and
Faking |
Yes
|
|
|
Truth-Corrected Scores for Accuracy |
Yes
|
|
|
Three Test Administration Options |
Yes
|
|
|
1. Paper-Pencil (English and Spanish) |
Yes
|
|
|
2. On Computer Screen
(English and Spanish) |
Yes
|
|
|
3. Human Voice Audio (English and
Spanish) |
Yes
|
|
|
Delete Defendant Names (insures confidentiality)
Program |
Yes
|
|
|
HIPAA (federal regulation) Compliant
|
Yes
|
|
|
Test Data Input Verification (insures accuracy)
Program |
Yes
|
|
|
Available in English and Spanish |
Yes
|
|
|
Built-in Database at No Additional Cost |
Yes
|
|
|
Alcohol and Drugs Scales |
Yes
|
|
|
Resistance Scale |
Yes
|
|
|
Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale
|
Yes
|
|
|
Stress Coping Abilities Scale |
Yes
|
|
|
Easily Understood Reports |
Yes
|
|
|
ASAM Compatible Recommendations |
Yes
|
|
|
Staff Training (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Examination Kits (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Automated Criminogenic Structured
Interview (Free) |
Yes |
|
|
Thirty-Day Money Back
Guarantee |
Yes |
|
|
Very Affordable Test Unit Fee |
Yes |
|
ADULT PRESENTENCE EVALUATION
At the adult presentence level, the court needs
information upon which to base its decisions. The Adult Presentence Evaluation
includes seven scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness
Scale, 2. Resistance Scale, 3.
Violence (Lethality) Scale, 4. Stress Coping
Abilities Scale, 5. Alcohol Scale,
6. Drugs Scale and 7. the Substance
Abuse/Dependency Scale. The Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) helps provide
important defendant information at the presentence level of case
processing.
* * * * *
EXAMPLE REPORT
The 4-page Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) report utilizes a
uniform, yet highly individualized report format. Test data is scored,
interpreted and reports are printed within 2½ minutes on-site. An example Adult
Presentence Evaluation report follows.
The first page of the Adult
Presentence Evaluation (APE) report contains the defendant’s name along with
basic demographics. The APE profile provides scale names, percentile scores and
a descriptive graph so that APE results can be summarized with a glance. The
defendant’s self-reported court history is presented at the bottom of the first
page.
ADULT PRESENTENCE EVALUATION
****************************
NAME OR ID# : Example Report
AGE : 31 SEX:
Male
CONFIDENTIAL REPORT
ETHNICITY/RACE: Caucasian
MARITAL STATUS: Married
EDUCATION/HIGHEST GRADE: 12
DATE OF BIRTH: 01/01/1973
DATE SCORED : 12/11/2004
Adult Presentence Evaluation results are confidential and are working
hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon these
results. These test results are to be used in conjunction with experi-
enced staff judgment and review of available records.
MEASURES
%ile
APE PROFILE
--------
---- +---------------+-----------+-------+---+
- LOW RISK - MEDIUM
-PROBLEM-MAX-
-
-
- - -
TRUTHFULNESS
51
*********************.......-.......-...-
-
-
- - -
ALCOHOL
87
***********************************.-...-
-
-
- - -
DRUGS
67
***************************.-.......-...-
-
-
- - -
RESISTANCE
58
************************....-.......-...-
-
-
- - -
VIOLENCE
81
*********************************...-...-
-
-
- - -
STRESS COPING
47
*******************.........-.......-...-
+---------------+-----------+-------+---+
0
40
70 90 100
----------- PERCENTILE SCORES -----------
*** Substance (Dependency/Abuse) Classification: substance
abuse
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CLIENT
-----------------------------------------
Age at first arrest..........18 Total number of times
arrested.. 2
Felony arrests............... 1 Jail
sentences.................. 0
Times on probation........... 1 Prison
sentences................ 0
Probation revocations........ 0 Alcohol-related
arrests......... 1
Times on parole.............. 0 Drug-related
arrests............ 1
Months employed last 12 mos..12
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, AZ 85064-4828
Adult Presentence Evaluation Copyright (c) 2002. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
|
The second page of
the APE report contains explanatory paragraphs for the Truthfulness Scale,
Substance Abuse/Dependency Scale, Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale, and the
Resistance Scale. Each paragraph gives the defendant’s scale score, explains
what that score means and presents score-related recommendations.
NAME: Example
Report
-2-
APE REPORT
* * SUMMARY PARAGRAPHS EXPLAINING CLIENT'S ATTAINED SCALE SCORES * *
------------------------------------------------------------
TRUTHFULNESS SCALE: MEDIUM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:51
This APE profile is accurate. However, there is a
tendency for this
person to deny common problems and to
portray self in an overly
favorable light. Specific questions will usually
be answered more
accurately than open-ended or general type
questions. This is an
accurate APE profile and other scale scores are accurate. This
person
has adequate reading skills. Responses are reasonably accurate.
DEPENDENCY/ABUSE CLASSIFICATION: Three or more of the
seven DSM-IV
dependency items (or their
equivalents) are not admitted to,
consequently the classification of 'dependency' as defined
here does
not apply. Moreover, this person reports (item #74) that he or she has
not been diagnosed 'substance dependent' in the past. One or
more of
the substance abuse items (or their equivalents) are admitted to, which
meets the criteria of 'substance abuse'
as defined here. These
admissions include: 136, 139, 59. This client describes their drinking
as a moderate problem and their drug use as a minimum
problem. This
person's Alcohol Scale score is elevated
(at or above the 70th
percentile) whereas their Drugs Scale score is not (at or
below the
69th percentile) elevated. This APE profile is
not uncommon in the
early stages of substance use, or after relapse.
In summary, this
client meets the DSM-IV substance abuse classification. And within this
abuse category their degree of risk is represented by
their Alcohol
Scale score.
ALCOHOL SCALE: PROBLEM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:87
Alcohol abuse is evident. Alcohol (beer, wine or liquor) use and abuse
are likely focal issues. An established pattern of alcohol
abuse is
indicated, or this person is a recovering (alcohol problem,
but has
stopped drinking) alcoholic. RECOMMENDATIONS:
Counseling and/or
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance might be
helpful. Relapse is
possible. Attendance and compliance should be monitored. With
regard
to the Alcohol Scale, this is a problem risk score.
DRUGS SCALE: MEDIUM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:67
An established pattern of drug use or abuse is not evident,
however,
there may be a "proneness" or emerging tendency toward
drug use or
abuse. Drug use may be experimental or historical.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Important areas of inquiry include the client's history and pattern of
drug use. Participation in Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous
(CA) or a drug-oriented educational program could be
helpful. With
regard to the Drugs Scale, this is a medium risk score.
RESISTANCE SCALE: MEDIUM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:58
Resistance does not appear to present as a focal issue, however, some
evasive and perhaps even oppositional tendencies are becoming evident.
Although usually cooperative, these individuals are sensitive and can
be defensive. Resistance (uncooperativeness, opposition,
negativism,
etc.) can be exacerbated by stress, perceived threat
and substance
(alcohol and other drugs) abuse. This individual would likely function
best with clearly understood expectations as well as consequences, and
emotional support of endeavor.
|
The third page of
the APE report has the Violence (Lethality) Scale paragraph and presents the
Stress Coping Abilities Scale paragraph. Significant items for the Alcohol,
Drugs, Resistance and Violence Scales are at the bottom of this page. Section 3
gives the defendant’s answers (with all their biases) to the multiple choice
(items 136 to 158).
NAME: Example
Report
-3-
APE REPORT
VIOLENCE SCALE: PROBLEM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:81
Violent tendencies are evident. Problem risk violent behavior is
char-
acterized by inconsiderateness, harshness, unruliness
and explosive-
ness. These individuals are often
controlling, abusive and can be
violent. Substance abuse, jealousy and perceived stress
could result
in more violent behavior. The need to control
frustration and anger
while learning alternatives to violence is
evident. Consider anger
management classes. Review this person's record
carefully for prior
violent offenses, and if evident counseling might be considered.
STRESS COPING SCALE: MEDIUM RISK
RANGE
RISK PERCENTILE:47
Average stress coping abilities are evident. This person's
ability to
cope effectively with stress does not appear to
be a focal area of
concern. Significant stress-related problems are not indicated at
this
time. This person has average stress coping abilities.
Stress refers
to anxiety, tension and pressure. With regard
to the Stress Coping
Abilities Scale, this person copes adequately with stress.
SIGNIFICANT ITEMS: The answers are
the client's self-reported
responses. And, they represent direct admissions or unusual
responses,
which may help in understanding the client's situation.
ALCOHOL
DRUGS
-------
-----
2. Concerned about
drinking 13. Pot helps
feel good
12. Drinking is a
problem 30.
Attended NA or CA meetings
34. A recovering
alcoholic 51. Has
has sought help for drugs
44. In last year: drinking problem 83. In drug treatment
55. Drinking a serious problem 95.
Dependent on drugs
70. Acknowledges drinking problem
81. Has asked for help
87. Has had alcohol treatment
RESISTANCE
VIOLENCE
----------
--------
35. Does not want staff
help 26. More dangerous
than age peers
40. Doesn't want to discuss problms 37. States can be dangerous
45. Does not want
help
58. States has a short temper
56. Can solve problems
alone 73. Arrested for
assault/viol crime
77. Does not want
help
79. Been cruel & hurt others
93. Sometimes loses control
98. Thinks about death/suicide
SECTION 3: The client's answers to multiple choice items are
printed
below. It should be noted that these answers represent
the client's
opinion--with all of its biases. These multiple choice
answers allow
comparison of the client's subjective
opinions with objective and
empirically based scale scores.
136. Neglected children/household 148. Denies reduced
activities
137. Has not used when dangerous 149. Drinking:
moderate problem
138. No legal problems or arrests 150. Can handle alcohol
problems
139. Use despite problems & family 151. No alcohol treatment
programs
140. Denies serious problems
152. Not a recovering person
141. Denies increased tolerance 153. Drug use: no
|
The fourth page
of the APE report completes the defendant’s answers to the multiple choice
items. Space is provided for assessor observations and recommendations along
with the staff member’s signature and date. "APE responses" are a reproduction
of all the defendant’s answers to APE items.
NAME: Example
Report
-4-
APE REPORT
SECTION 3 (continued):
142. Denies withdrawal symptoms 154. No drug
treatment programs
143. Denies use to avoid withdrawal 155. No need for drug treatment
144. Denies uses more/longer
156. Has serious family problems
145. Hasn't tried: reduce/stop use 157. Arrested for: crime of
force
146. Not lot of time getting/using 158. Not recntly
suicidal/homicidal
147. Not high/drunk before work etc
OBSERVATIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS:__________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
______________________ ______________
STAFF MEMBER
SIGNATURE
DATE
(APE TEST # 1 )
APE RESPONSES
-------------
1- 50 FTTFFTTFFT FTTTFFTTFF TTFFTTFFTT
FFTTFFTFFT FFTTFTTFFT
51-100 TFFTTFFTTF FFTFFTTFFT TFTFFFTFTF TTTFFTTFTT
FTTFTFFTT2
101-150 2331212232 1312231322 3134123243 2222224434
4444444423
151-158 44444124
Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 44828, Phoenix, AZ
85064-4828
Adult Presentence Evaluation Copyright (c) 2002. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED.
|
* * * * *
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Return to APE Reports Section
link.
We hope you found the Adult Presentence Evaluation (APE) interesting and
informative. Additional information can be provided upon request. Contact 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.
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