Tools that guide intake decisions, rooted in fairness, defensibility, and the psychological science of risk management. These aren’t just scores—they’re *safety beacons and ethical gates*.
Risk assessments help ensure that decisions about youth aren’t made based on fear, assumption, or bias. Instead, they’re made on structured criteria proven to correlate with outcomes like re-offense, treatment responsiveness, and diversion success.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, jurisdictions that implement validated tools see a reduction in unnecessary detention by up to 40%.
These tools don’t determine outcomes — they *inform them*. The final decision is still made through collaboration with legal parties, MDT (multi-disciplinary teams), and court officials.
Youth is referred to diversion or community-based support.
Assigned to probation and monitored service plans.
Reviewed for court intervention or possible commitment.
Missouri’s model warns that over-reliance on scores alone undermines the therapeutic nature of juvenile justice.
One study in Texas found racial disproportionality in tool application until community stakeholders were brought into oversight.
Risk tools do not predict future behavior. They highlight current needs, structure supervision, and offer a map for the safest, most productive pathway forward.