Negotiating labyrinths of risk: The impact and implementation of a structured violence risk assessment instrument in juvenile parole
Item
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Title
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Negotiating labyrinths of risk: The impact and implementation of a structured violence risk assessment instrument in juvenile parole
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Identifier
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d_2009_2013:d44203c4329f:11724
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identifier
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12335
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Creator
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Barnes-Ceeney, Kevin,
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Contributor
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Jeff Mellow
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Date
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2013
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Criminology | Clinical psychology | Juvenile violence | Labyrinths | Parole | Risk assessment | SAVRY | Survival analysis
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Abstract
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Risk assessment has become a critical aspect of correctional work. Risk assessment instruments are often used by criminal justice workers to predict the likelihood of prison escape, recidivism, or an offender's potential for perpetrating future harms. Increasingly, state parole boards are using risk assessment to assist in their evaluation of offenders' risks, to identify requisite interventions, and to ascertain suitability for parole.;Although there has been considerable research concerning the predictive validity of risk factors, few studies have examined how criminal justice workers experience and understand risk assessment, and how such understandings impact decision making. Many scholars have posited that the use of risk assessment to inform discretion decisions can improve the consistency and accuracy of recidivism prediction. Others, however, suggest that risk assessment instruments are indicative of the pernicious scientification of administration, and that an emphasis on risk factors may lead workers to practice containment rather than resolution, ensnaring individuals in biographical "labyrinths of risk.".;Despite extensive risk theorization, few scholars have examined the impact of risk technologies at the individual and organizational level. This mixed methods case study addresses this gap in the literature. The qualitative inquiry answers the central research question: How do juvenile justice actors experience and understand risk assessment processes? Subsidiary questions seek to unpack these experiences and understandings by asking: How do juveniles experience labyrinths of risk? and What is the nature of risk labyrinths? The quantitative part of the study answer the question: Does the implementation of a structured risk assessment increase the number of juveniles released early on parole?.;Tracking the implementation of the Structured assessment of violence risk in youth (SAVRY) assessment tool, in juvenile parole in New Jersey, this dissertation seeks to understand the meanings juvenile justice actors ascribe to risk, and how such understandings shape juvenile justice system responses. Semi-structured interviews focusing on perceptions of risk were conducted with three juvenile parole board members, six parole hearing team officers, 12 Juvenile Justice Commission staff, and 10 committed juveniles. Where possible, interviews were recorded and transcribed. Forty-five parole board hearings were also observed, and 21 case files were selected and transcribed. Quantitative data comprised of 445 SAVRY assessed and un-assessed juvenile cases. Cases were matched on the following variables: age within 6 months of index offense, gender, sentence length, seriousness of index offense score, and the Offender Group Reconviction Scale 3 (OGRS 3.).;A grounded theory approach was adopted to analyze the qualitative data. Line-by-line open coding of transcripts was conducted, using Atlas ti qualitative data analysis software. The constant comparison method was used to refine initial codes, and develop pattern codes. Repeated patterns of meaning were grouped into themes, and the themes discussed with study participants. The quantitative data was analyzed through a survival analysis. Hazard curves were generated to examine whether assessed juveniles are likely to be released earlier than non-assessed juveniles.;The findings suggest that juveniles who received a SAVRY assessment were more likely to be released earlier on parole, after an initial period of one year had passed. Parole board members felt that the SAVRY instrument was helpful as they are required to chart a course through large amounts of risk information. Risk assessment instruments do not create labyrinths of risk, however the labyrinths of risk metaphor is still useful. Risk assessment instruments appear to serve as Ariadne's thread helping to guide parole board members as they negotiate labyrinths of risk when making a parole decision. Furthermore, a juvenile's progression through the juvenile justice system can be likened to a classical labyrinth, consisting of a single unicursal path leading to the center and out again. Successful navigation of such a labyrinthine structure involves a process of transformation, in which the juvenile is expected to extinguish his offending self, thereby metaphorically slaying the Minotaur. A net labyrinth awaits the juvenile on his release. Organizational interconnectivity is of critical importance when a juvenile negotiates such a postmodern labyrinth of labyrinths.;This dissertation facilitates a better understanding of the interplay between risk assessment instruments and juvenile justice decision-making. The findings improve knowledge of the barriers to successful risk assessment implementation, and identify problems with intra-and inter-organizational connectivity. Training opportunities for juvenile justice actors are identified, which facilitate the adoption of effective risk management procedures. Key findings of the dissertation were disseminated to juvenile justice employees through face-to-face discussions during the data analysis process, and meetings with senior parole officials.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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2009_2013.csv
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degree
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Ph.D.
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Program
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Criminal Justice
