JUVENILE PRESENTENCE EVALUATION

JUVENILE PRESENTENCE EVALUATION

Developed Specifically for Juvenile Presentence Evaluation

The Juvenile Presentence Evaluation (JPE) is designed specifically for juvenile presentence evaluation. The Juvenile Presentence Evaluation has 159 items and takes 35 minutes to complete. The Juvenile Presentence Evaluation has nine measures (scales): 1. Truthfulness Scale, 2. Suicide Scale, 3. Resistance Scale, 4. Self-Esteem Scale, 5. Violence (Lethality) Scale, 6. Alcohol Scale, 7. Drugs Scale, 8. Distress Scale and 9. Stress Coping Abilities Scale.

Nine Scales (Measures)

The nine Juvenile Presentence Evaluation (JPE) scales are described below:

1. Truthfulness Scale: Measures how truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. This scale identifies denial, guardedness, problem minimization and attempts to "fake good."
    
2. Suicide Scale: Identifies suicide prone individuals. Some youths are emotionally overwhelmed, desperate and dangerous to themselves.
    
3. Resistance Scale: Measures defensiveness, uncooperativeness and resistance. Some youths resist help; whereas, others accept it.
    
4. Self-Esteem Scale: Reflects a person’s explicit valuing and appraisal of self. It incorporates an attitude of acceptance-approval versus rejection - disapproval.
    
5. Violence (Lethality) Scale: Measures the use of force to injure, damage or destroy. This scale measures the youth’s danger to self and others. Adolescent violence concerns contributed to the inclusion of this scale.
    
6. Alcohol Scale: Measures alcohol (beer, wine and other liquor) use and abuse. This scale measures the severity of alcohol abuse while identifying alcohol-related problems.
    
7. Drugs Scale: Measures the severity of illicit drug (marijuana, crack, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates and heroin) use and abuse while identifying drug-related problems.
    
8. Distress Scale: Measures experienced pain, worry, sorrow and grief. Distress can involve both mental and physical strain. Distress is a common reason why youths seek counseling.
    
9. Stress Coping Abilities Scale: Measures how well the youth handles stress, tension and pressure. Stress exacerbates symptoms of emotional and mental health problems.

The Juvenile Presentence Evaluation (JPE) assesses attitudes and behaviors important to juvenile adjustment profiles. The JPE is much more than just another alcohol or drug test; consequently, it measures many important behaviors missed by other tests.

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Why Use the JPE?

Juvenile crime rates have risen across the U.S. These statistics underscore the abhorrent affects of substance (alcohol and other drugs) abuse and juvenile violence. Early detection of juvenile problems facilitates prompt and appropriate decision making. This type of information helps in deciding upon treatment, probation and incarceration alternatives. It also helps in deciding upon levels of supervision and incarceration alternatives.

At one sitting of approximately 35 minutes’ duration, the authorities can acquire a vast amount of perpetrator information that includes attitudinal, behavioral and juvenile problems. Early problem identification facilitates timely intervention and improved outcome.

Advantages of Screening

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

Reference to the above table shows that a problem is not identified until a scale score is at the 70^th percentile or higher. These risk range percentiles are based upon juveniles that have been tested with the JPE. This procedure is fair and avoids extremes, i.e., over-identification and under-identification of problems and risk.

A court, prosecutor, defense attorney or probation officer might refer juveniles with identified problems for further evaluation, intervention, treatment or even incarceration. In these cases, eleven percent (11%) of the juveniles screened (Severe Problem) would be referred. Or, policy might refer juveniles with identified (Problem Risk and Severe Problem) problems or thirty-one percent (31%) of the juveniles screened for further evaluation, treatment or even incarceration. In these examples, eighty-nine percent (89%) or sixty-nine percent (69%) (contingent upon adopted policy) of the juveniles screened would not be referred for additional (and expensive) alternatives.

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

Test Booklets

JPE test booklets are provided free. These booklets contain 159 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 JPE. The JPE test booklets are available in English and Spanish.

Reports

In brief, JPE reports summarize the juvenile’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, these reports include a JPE 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.

To review a JPE report, click on this JPE Report link. The example JPE report is also presented at the end of this webpage.

Reliability and Validity

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

For example, internal consistencies (coefficient alphas) for JPE scales are in the following table. This study incorporates 1,329 juveniles screened in the year 2001.

All JPE 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. A JPE research study can be reviewed by clicking on the JPE Research Study link.

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

Much of this research is summarized in the document titled "JPE: Inventory of Scientific Findings." Subsequently, discriminant and predictive validity database analysis based studies support JPE reliability, validity and accuracy.

Software

The JPE 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 JPE data diskettes (25 or 50 test applications) are used to score and print reports. Training manuals are provided, and new test users can be walked through these scoring procedures over the telephone.

Proprietary JPE diskettes contain 25 or 50 test applications. These 3½" or 5¼" diskettes score, interpret and print reports on-site. Once a JPE 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, sex, ethnicity) and test data are downloaded into the JPE database for subsequent database analysis. The proprietary "delete names" program is activated by the test user with a few keystrokes to delete all juveniles’ 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 "JPE: Orientation and Training Manual" explains how the JPE works and should be read by staff. The "JPE: Computer Operating Guide" explains how to score tests, print or store reports and discusses other unique JPE computer-related functions.

Database

The JPE system contains a proprietary built-in database. Earlier, it was noted that all JPE used diskettes are returned to Risk & Needs, and the test data is downloaded into the JPE database. This expanding 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.

Built-in Database

The JPE 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 JPE database. Advantages of this proprietary database are many and include database research analysis and annual summary reports.

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

In summary, all returned JPE diskettes are 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.

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

How Do You Know If the Juvenile Is Lying?

The JPE contains a Truthfulness Scale that determines how truthful the juvenile was while completing the test. This scale detects problem minimization and detects faking. And, the JPE 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 juvenile is trying to hide. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores.

Free Examination Kit: A 1-test JPE 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 "JPE: 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.

Selecting a Juvenile Presentence Test

If you are selecting a presentence test for juveniles, 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 JPE.

Unique Features

Truthfulness Scale: Identifies denial, problem minimization and faking. It is now known that most juveniles attempt to minimize their problems. A Truthfulness Scale is a necessary component in contemporary tests. The JPE Truthfulness Scale has been demonstrated to be reliable, valid and accurate.

Truth-Corrected Scores: Have proven to be very important for assessment accuracy. This proprietary truth-correction process is comparable to the MMPI K-Scale correction. The JPE Truthfulness Scale has been correlated with the other 8 scales. The truth-correction equation then converts raw scores to Truth-Corrected scores. Truth-Corrected scores are more accurate than raw scores. Raw scores reflect what the juvenile wants you to know. Truth-Corrected scores reveal what the juvenile is attempting to hide.

More than just another alcohol or drug test. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the JPE assesses other important areas of inquiry. The JPE is specifically designed for juvenile assessment. It provides the information needed for comprehensive juvenile reinstatement screening.

Three ways to give the JPE. The JPE can be administered in three different ways: 1. Paper-pencil test booklet format is the most popular testing procedure. JPE English and Spanish test booklets and answer sheets are available. 2. Tests can be given directly on the computer screen. Some agencies dedicate computers for JPE testing. And, 3. Human Voice Audio in English or Spanish is available. This involves 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 and concurrently read to the juvenile. These three test administration modes are discussed in the "JPE: 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 juveniles represent 20+ percent of the juveniles 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 JPE is in English and Spanish. Juveniles’ 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 juvenile to the up-down arrow keys on the computer keyboard. Human Voice Audio is an alternative approach for screening reading impaired juveniles.

Confidentiality: Risk & Needs encourages test users to delete juvenile names from diskettes before they are returned to Risk & Needs. 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 JPE database for subsequent analysis. This proprietary name deletion procedure involves a few keystrokes and insures juvenile 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.

Orientation and Training Manual: The "JPE: Orientation and Training Manual" (O&T Manual) explains how the JPE works. It is a must read for staff that will be using the JPE. O&T Manual content includes, but is not limited to, the following: instructions for testing, an explanation of how scores are derived, clarification of how court-related information is used, a description of unique JPE 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 JPE’s, and a more comprehensive "JPE: 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 are available to participate in JPE 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 JPE training sessions. This training can include hands-on computer scoring, as desired. Risk & Needs gives attendees certificates attesting to their JPE 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.

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.

How to Order a Test: If you are interested in ordering tests, please fill out the online order form provided on the How to Order page. If you are a new customer, you need to read the "Instructions for New Customers" section on the New Client Setup page before you can order any tests. Current Risk & Needs customers can write, call, fax or e-mail their orders to Risk & Needs. And if desired they can read the "Instructions for Current Customers" section on the How to Order page and fill out the online form.

 

 

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JUVENILE PRESENTENCE EVALUATION REPORT

Within 2½ minutes of data entry, Juvenile Presentence Evaluation (JPE) reports are scored and printed on-site. These reports summarize a lot of information in an easily understood format. For example, these reports include a JPE 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 the JPE example report begins with the client's name and some basic demographics like age, gender, ethnicity, etc. The JPE Profile summarizes JPE scores at a glance. The first page concludes with self-reported court history.

The second page of the JPE report contains summary paragraphs for the Truthfulness Scale, Suicide Scale, Resistance Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Violence Scale and the beginning of the Alcohol Scale paragraph. Each of these paragraphs gives the attained scale score, explains what that score means and provides score-related recommendations.

The third page of the JPE report completes the Alcohol Scale paragraph and presents the Drugs Scale, Distress Scale and Stress Coping Abilities paragraphs. Page three concludes with a reproduction of all 140 items' answers. These JPE responses facilitate identification of the youth's answers to items of interest.

 NAME: Example Report                 -3-                     JPE REPORT

liquor)  use  are present, however, an  established  pattern  of  alcohol
abuse is not evident.  Referral  for  alcohol-related  treatment does not
appear to be warranted at this time.  Review  of  other  Juvenile Presen-
tence  Evaluation scales or measures  could  provide  additional  insight
into  this  juvenile's  situation and needs. RECOMMENDATIONS: With regard
to alcohol, a  Low-intensity  probationary  response appears to be appro-
priate.  This  juvenile's  court-related  records  should be reviewed and
if  additional  alcohol-related  offenses  are  revealed,  treatment  and
probation  should  be upgraded  accordingly.  Participation in an alcohol
oriented  education  program  involving  interactive   groups  should  be
considered. With regard  to alcohol,  the  least  restrictive disposition
consistent with  public  safety is recommended.

DRUGS SCALE: MEDIUM RISK RANGE                         RISK PERCENTILE:69
This troubled youth's  score on  the Drugs  Scale is in  the  Medium Risk
(40  to  69th  percentile)   range.  Some  indicators  of  drug  use  are
present,  yet an established  pattern  of  drug  abuse  is  not  evident.
RECOMMENDATIONS:   Review  of   this  youth's   court   history   appears
warranted and if  additional drug-related  offenses  exist, probation and
counseling  or  treatment recommendations  should be upgraded  according-
ly. A fine might be imposed  as a  possible disposition.  If  other drug-
related  arrests  exist  consideration  might  be  given  to  a  week-end
incarceration  for  the "shock"  effect.  Community service could  incor-
porate attendance at  Narcotics Anonymous (NA)  or Cocaine  Anonymous(CA)
meetings.  Credit might be  given  toward a  fine disposition if  classes
and/or  meetings  are  attended   and  completed  as  required.  Wherever
possible parental  involvement should  be encouraged.  This youth  may be
in the  early stages of  drug  involvement, consequently  we  are  recom-
mending prompt  intervention.  This is a Medium  Risk Drugs  Scale score.

DISTRESS SCALE: LOW RISK RANGE                         RISK PERCENTILE:27
This  juvenile's  score on the  Distress Scale  is in the Low  Risk (zero
to 39th  percentile) range. Distress refers  to both  anxiety and depres-
sion.  This juvenile's  self-report  does not reflect  significant worry,
unhappiness,  apprehension,  guilt or  shame.  Review  of other  Juvenile
Presentence  Evaluation (JPE)  scales as  well  as  the  JPE  significant
items  and  the JPE  multiple  choice should provide  additional in-
sight and understanding  into this youth's  situation.   RECOMMENDATIONS:
Few  distress   indicators  were  reported,  consequently   no  distress-
related  recommendations  are  made at  this time. With  regard to  dis-
tress,  the  least  restrictive  probation  disposition consistent  with
public  safety   is  recommended.  Distress-related  counseling  is  not
needed at this time.

STRESS COPING SCALE: PROBLEM RISK RANGE               RISK PERCENTILE:77
High levels of  experienced stress  and/or below  average  stress coping
abilities are  indicated.  Stress  can  exacerbate  other  symptoms  and
contribute to adjustment difficulties.  This  person manifests  impaired
stress  coping  abilities.  This person's  score  on the  Stress  Coping
Abilities Scale is in  the  Problem Risk  (70 to 89th percentile) range.


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The fourth page of the JPE report presents "significant items" (direct admissions or unusual answers) for the Alcohol Scale, Drugs Scale, Violence Scale and Distress Scale. Multiple Choice (items 151 to 159) item answers are presented. These answers represent the youth's answer choices (multiple choice items). And, page four concludes with space for staff observations/comments, signature and date of the report.

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This completes our presentation of the Juvenile Presentence Evaluation (JPE).  The Following navigation links are provided in case you would like to review some of the JPE's features.  And, as always, after you click on the "Back" button (top left corner of your screen) you will be returned to where you began, i.e., the link you clicked on.

We hope this 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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