DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INVENTORY - JUVENILE

Designed for juvenile domestic violence offender assessment
 

The Domestic Violence Inventory-Juvenile, or DVI-Juvenile, is designed for juvenile domestic violence offender assessment. The DVI-Juvenile consists of 149 items, takes 30 minutes to complete and has six scales (measures): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Alcohol Scale, 3. Control Scale, 4. Drugs Scale, 5. Violence (Lethality) Scale, and 6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale. The DVI-Juvenile was adapted from the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) and standardized on juvenile offenders.

Applications

** DVI-Juvenile **

Assessment of juveniles accused or convicted of domestic violence.   Domestic violence assessment in juvenile clinics, court settings, probation departments and service provider agencies.   Juvenile courts and presentence investigation.   Juvenile evaluation, counseling and treatment agencies.

 

Six Scales (Measures)

The six DVI-Juvenile scales are described as follows:

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the client was while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and attempts to fake good.
    
2. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale identifies people that are a danger to self and others. Within the context of domestic violence, the terms violence and domestic violence are used interchangeably.
    
3. Control Scale: Measures a person’s need to control others. In social psychology, control is often a synonym for power and influence. Control refers to the process of regulating, restraining or controlling others.
    
4. Alcohol Scale: Measures the severity of alcohol use and abuse. Alcohol refers to beer, wine and other liquors. Alcohol is often involved in juvenile domestic violence.
    
5. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of drug use and abuse. Drugs refer to marijuana, crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin. Illicit drugs are often involved in juvenile domestic violence.
    
6. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures a juvenile’s ability to cope with stress, anxiety and pressure. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptomatology. This scale is a non-introversive screen for established (diagnosable) emotional and mental health problems.

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Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI) Versions

There are 4 versions of the DVI, and links to each DVI version’s webpage are presented here. Each of these tests is represented in the Alphabetical Listing of Tests and the Functional Grouping of Tests.

The DVI-Juvenile assesses attitudes and behaviors important in domestic violence offender profiling. Paper-pencil test administration takes on average 30 minutes, and tests are computer-scored on-site. Reports are printed within 2½ minutes of data entry.

The DVI-Juvenile was developed specifically for juvenile domestic violence evaluation. It is much more than just another alcohol or drug test; consequently, it measures important behaviors missed by other tests.

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Why Use the DVI-Juvenile?

Juvenile domestic violence crime rates have risen across the U.S. These statistics underscore the abhorrent effects of domestic violence and the need for reliable, accurate and valid juvenile assessment. Early detection of domestic violence perpetrators facilitates quicker intervention and treatment. This information also helps in deciding upon levels of supervision in counseling, treatment, probation and alternatives to incarceration.

At one sitting of approximately 30 minutes’ duration, staff can acquire a vast amount of juvenile domestic violence perpetrator information, which includes the probability of acting out, controlling tendencies, substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and stress coping abilities. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved outcome.

Advantages of Screening

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

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at or above the 70^th percentile. These risk range percentiles are based upon the juveniles that have completed the DVI-Juvenile. This procedure is fair and avoids extremes such as over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A court, department or agency’s policy might be to refer juveniles with severe problems (11%) for further evaluation and/or treatment. In this case, 11% of the juveniles screened (Severe Problem) would be referred for further evaluation and treatment services. In these examples, 89% (contingent upon adopted policy) of the juveniles screened would not be referred for additional and expensive services.

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

Test Booklets

DVI-Juvenile test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 149 items and are written at a 5^th to 6^th grade reading level. If a person can read the newspaper, they can read the DVI-Juvenile. The DVI-Juvenile test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, DVI-Juvenile reports summarize the respondent’s self-report history, explain what attained scale scores mean and offer specific score-related recommendations.

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

Click on the DVI-Juvenile Example Report link to go to the example report that is provided for review at the end of this webpage.

Reliability, Validity and Accuracy

The DVI-Juvenile has a proprietary built-in database that insures inclusion of all administered tests in a confidential (no names) manner. These reliability, validity and accuracy statistics are reported in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Annual database analysis further demonstrates that DVI-Juvenile scales have very high reliability and validity coefficients.

For example, internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for DVI-Juvenile scales are reported in the following table for some juvenile domestic violence offenders (N=542) screened in the year 2002. This is only one among several year 2002 samples.

All DVI-Juvenile 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 DVI-Juvenile studies used criterion measures and were validated with other tests, e.g., Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) L-Scale and F-Scale, 16PF, ACDI-Corrections Version II, Taylor-Manifest Anxiety Scale, Treatment Intervention Inventory-Juvenile, etc.

Much of this research is summarized in the document "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, discriminant validity and predictive validity research supports DVI-Juvenile reliability, validity and accuracy. Click on the DVI-Juvenile Research Study link to review a study involving 542 juvenile domestic violence offenders.

Software

The DVI-Juvenile is available in MS-DOS and Windows. MS-DOS diskettes contain all their own software. Windows diskettes require a one-time computer setup procedure after which 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 these scoring procedures over the phone.

Proprietary DVI-Juvenile diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once a DVI-Juvenile account is established, ordered diskettes are 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 Assessment, Inc. (Risk & Needs) where the demographics (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) and test data are downloaded into the DVI-Juvenile 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 their confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA (federal regulation 45 C.F.R. 164.501).

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

Database

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

Built-in Database

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

Returned diskettes can be summarized on a court, department or agency basis -- at no additional cost. Annual summary reports provide information that permits testing program review. You can review an example summary report by clicking on the Annual Summary Reports link.

In summary, all returned DVI-Juvenile diskettes’ test data is centrally filed at Risk & Needs' offices. 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. Click on the DVI-Juvenile Research Study link to review DVI-Juvenile research.

Annual Summary Reports

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

Staff Member Input

The DVI-Juvenile is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment. When available, court, school 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 juvenile. For these reasons, the following statement is contained in each DVI-Juvenile report: "DVI-Juvenile results are confidential and are considered working hypotheses. No diagnosis or decision should be based solely upon DVI-Juvenile results. The DVI-Juvenile is to be used in conjunction with experienced staff judgment."

Why Develop the DVI-Juvenile?

Domestic violence is an all too frequent serious crime. It varies in severity from swearing and pushing to battering. Domestic violence is a complex term that refers to verbal, emotional or physical injury within a family or household relationship. Contributing factors are many and include substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse, violence (lethality) propensity, control issues and impaired stress coping abilities. The DVI-Juvenile evaluates all of these important areas of inquiry.

How Do You Know if the Domestic Violence Offender is Lying?

The DVI-Juvenile contains a Truthfulness Scale that determines how truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. This scale identifies problem minimization and detects faking. And, the DVI-Juvenile doesn’t stop there. Error of measurement due to untruthfulness is measured for each scale and reported as Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the respondent is trying to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

Unique DVI-Juvenile Features

The Truthfulness Scale measures how truthful the juvenile was while completing the DVI-Juvenile. This scale identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. Many juvenile domestic violence offenders attempt to minimize their problems. The DVI-Juvenile's 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 people agree or disagree with. This important scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate. Much of this research is reported in the document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings."

Truth-Corrected scores have proven to be important in enhancing assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth correction program is comparable to the MMPI's K-Scale correction methodology. The DVI-Juvenile's Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other five DVI-Juvenile scales. The Truth Correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Raw scores reflect what the juvenile wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the juvenile is trying to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

The Violence (Lethality) Scale measures the juvenile’s propensity for using force to injure, damage or destroy. It identifies the juvenile’s danger to self and others. The growing awareness of violence in our society resulted in the inclusion of the Violence (Lethality) Scale. When screening violence or lethality potential is important, we recommend you use the DVI-Juvenile. Within the context of domestic violence, the terms violence and domestic violence are used interchangeably.

Control Scale: In psychoanalytic theory, control is the process of restraining or regulating impulses. In social psychology, control is often a synonym of power or influence. In domestic violence, "control" refers to the process of restraining, regulating or controlling others. Controlling behaviors include, but are not limited to, pushing, swearing, intimidation and hitting. The concept of control has become an important construct in domestic violence research. Consequently, the Control Scale was added to the DVI in 1998. The Control Scale adds greatly to our assessment and understanding of domestic violence perpetrators. This important area of inquiry is overlooked by other domestic violence tests.

The Stress Coping Abilities Scale measures how well the juvenile handles tension, stress and pressure. This scale goes beyond establishing whether or not the juvenile is experiencing stress. It determines how well the juvenile handles or copes with stress. Stress exacerbates emotional and mental health symptoms. 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 to a certified/licensed mental health professional for a more comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis, as warranted. This important area of inquiry is missed by other domestic violence tests.

Scale Interpretation: There are several levels of DVI-Juvenile scale interpretation ranging from viewing the DVI-Juvenile as a self-report to interpreting scale elevations and interrelationships. Since the DVI-Juvenile evolved from the Domestic Violence Inventory (DVI), readers are encouraged to examine this discussion on the DVI webpage. To review the DVI scale interpretation discussion, click on this Scale Interpretation link.

More than just another alcohol or drugs test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the DVI-Juvenile assesses other important areas of inquiry like truthfulness, violence (lethality), control issues and stress coping abilities. The DVI-Juvenile is designed specifically for domestic violence perpetrators.

Three ways to give the DVI-Juvenile. The DVI-Juvenile can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format. This is the most popular testing procedure. English and Spanish test booklets are available. 2. The DVI-Juvenile can be given directly on the computer screen. And, 3. Human voice audio 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 test administration modes are discussed in the "DVI: 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 test administration mode that is best suited to their needs.

Reading impaired assessment. Reading impaired juveniles represent 20+ percent of the domestic violence perpetrators tested. This represents a serious problem to other domestic violence tests. In contrast, Risk & Needs has developed a proprietary alternative for reading impaired assessment, which is termed "human voice audio."

Human Voice Audio. Human Voice Audio is available in English and Spanish. It helps resolve many reading and cultural difference issues. A person’s passive vocabulary is often greater than their active (spoken) vocabularies. Hearing items read out loud often helps reduce 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 domestic violence perpetrator testing 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 names does not delete demographics or test data, which is downloaded into the DVI-Juvenile 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 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 input verification procedure is optional, yet strongly recommended by Risk & Needs.

Inventory of Scientific Findings: Much of the DVI-Juvenile research has been gathered together in one document titled "DVI: An Inventory of Scientific Findings." This document summarizes DVI-Juvenile research chronologically -- as the studies were completed.

This innovative chronological reporting format was established largely because of the DVI-Juvenile database, which permits annual database analysis of all tests administered that year. It also allows the reader to observe the evolution of the DVI-Juvenile into its current state-of-the-art position.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "DVI: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the DVI-Juvenile works. This manual is a must read for staff that will be using the DVI-Juvenile. 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 court and corrections information is used (when available) in scoring methodology, a description of unique DVI-Juvenile 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, unique program features and much more.

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 Juvenile Violence Interview (JVI) link.

Staff Training. Risk & Needs' staff are available to participate in DVI-Juvenile training programs scheduled by test users in the United States. Large departments, agencies or statewide programs often are interested in DVI-Juvenile training. Sometimes, smaller agencies or departments get together for a joint DVI-Juvenile training session. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their DVI-Juvenile 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.

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

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

If you are selecting a juvenile domestic violence offender 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 DVI-Juvenile.

EXAMPLE DVI-JUVENILE REPORT

The DVI-Juvenile report is presented below for your review. It consists of three pages. Each page will be briefly discussed below prior to the presentation of an example DVI-Juvenile report.

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

The first page of this report begins with the juvenile’s name and some demographics. The DVI-Juvenile profile summarizes scale scores by name, score and graphically. Next, comes the court-related information provided by the juvenile. The first page ends with a reproduction of all the juvenile’s answers to the DVI-Juvenile test. This facilitates easy reference if the staff is interested in the juvenile’s answer to a specific item on the test. These DVI-Juvenile answers also provide easy reference to juvenile answers in the future.

The second page of the DVI-Juvenile report consists of scale summary paragraphs for the Truthfulness Scale, Alcohol Scale, Control Scale, Drugs Scale and the Violence (Lethality) Scale. Each paragraph gives the juvenile’s attained scale score, explains what that score means and presents score-related recommendations.

The third page of the DVI-Juvenile report begins with the completion of the Violence Scale paragraph and continues with the Stress Coping Abilities Scale summary paragraph. Then, "significant items" are presented for the Alcohol, Drugs, Domestic Violence, Control, and Treatment Needs Scales. A significant item is a direct admission or a highly unusual answer. Following the significant items is the juvenile’s answers to the multiple choice. This section of the report presents the juvenile’s answers to the multiple choice items (#141 through 149). Whatever answers the juvenile selects are printed in this part of the report. Space is provided for staff recommendations, signature and the date of the evaluation. The third page ends (bottom right) with the number of the test used on a 25 or 50-test diskette. This information enables staff to anticipate using the tests provided on the diskette.

 

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

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