1. What is a risk assessment instrument? Why are risk assessment instruments important in determining the level of supervision of an offender in the community? What do the terms risk, need, and responsivity mean in assessing programming for an offender in the community? (see the following link for more helpful information: https://www.prainc.com/risk-need-responsitivity/) (30 points)
2. Indiana uses the IRAS system (Indiana Risk Assessment System) for adults and the YRAS (Youth Risk Assessment System) for juveniles. The IRAS and YRAS systems are used statewide and differ from previous assessment tools in that it seeks to identify those offenders who are in need of the lowest levels of supervision within the legal framework, regardless of crime, based on their likelihood of recidivating or committing a new act. The IRAS considers six domains in predicting success or failure while under supervision and future criminal involvement. These six domains are as follows:
history with the justice system,
employment and education,
family and social support,
substance abuse and mental health,
peers, and
attitudes and behavioral patterns.
Select one of these domains. Using the literature, explain why this domain should predict success or failure. You may use the following links to better understand the IRAS system in Indiana:
Indiana Risk Assessment (IRAS): https://www.in.gov/courts/iocs/justice-services/risk-assessment/
Article on Indianas New Risk Assessment Tools: What you should know. http://indianacourts.us/times/2011/04/risk-assessment/ (30 points)
3. What is classification? How is classification used in the state of Indiana? (10 points)
4. What is the difference between security and custody? (10 points)
5. Briefly explain Evidence-Based Practices (EBP). What are the 8 principles of evidence based practices? Why is it important to incorporate EBP into correctional programming? (20 points)
