NCJ Number
175835
Date Published
1997
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This article reviews guidelines for developing a screening device to identify potential juvenile offenders.
Abstract
Identification of potential offenders involves not only a particular target, but also a strategy and an instrument for detecting individuals or groups at risk. The article elaborates on strategies with one or more of the following dimensions: number of stages, sources of information, variable domains represented and methods of data gathering. With regard to developing a screening instrument, the article emphasizes: selecting a criterion, selecting predictors, assuring reliability of predictors and outcomes, combining predictors, measuring predictive accuracy and validating and replicating the screening device. In addition, the article discusses legal, constitutional, ethical, policy and practical issues. The article concludes that, while some screening strategies and instruments are promising, none can be recommended for immediate use to policymakers and practitioners. Note, references