Violence Risk Assessment for Juveniles Psychology Research Paper (Research Paper Sample)

Violence Risk Assessment for Juveniles
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Abstract
The juvenile justice system always makes the decision whether youth require interventions to reduce the risk of violence. Risk assessment helps in appraising the possibility that a persistent delinquent behavior will occur for youth if no action is taken. It can also guide the intervention planning by indicating the areas that can be targeted for intervention to decrease the possibility of recidivism for the juveniles. The risk assessment tools aid in identifying the factors, needs or individualities of the juveniles that are likely driving them to commit a crime or may make them re-offend. However, the risk valuation tools should contain the dynamic risk factors to help in facilitating the intervention planning. The juvenile justice system can achieve the aim of encouraging pro-social effects and reducing recidivism if they make decisions depending on definite distinct individualities of the juveniles.
Risk assessments among juveniles are an area of concern that requires government and other bodies partnering with the government such as medical institutions and psychologists intervention. The collaboration ensures efficiency and effectiveness.
The criteria used in juvenile violent risk assessment determine the success of the process. For instance, (SAVRY) Structure Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth is deemed one of the best approaches for risk assessments as it details specific criminal activities committed by youths. The tool also categorizes 24 items into three areas of risk namely group risk influences, significant risks and individual risks. Also, it is inclusive of existing or lacking six protecting items appraised. Furthermore, specific incorporated items in this tool are peer crime, substance abuse poor educational achievement and violence account. To this end, it is worth noting an efficient and effective tool for juvenile violence risk assessment is detailed and tries to find out the root cause of the problems besides management and control.