The goal of this study is to assess whether the local implementation of a valid risk and needs assessment instrument with a risk-need-responsivity approach to case management leads to long-term impacts on system and youth outcomes, public safety, and cost-effectiveness. More specifically, the study will:

• Assess whether the implementation of a valid risk and needs assessment instrument with a risk-need-responsivity approach has a long-term impact.


• Use a three-group, quasi-experimental design comparing outcomes for cohorts of youth with cases adjudicated in 2017 to matched youth with cases adjudicated in the pre-implementation and 1-year post-implementation samples.


• Examine (1) severe dispositions and informal processing, (2) out-of-home placements, (3) recidivism, and (4) education and employment status and whether any impacts were sustained, improved, or worsened from those observed 1 year post implementation to determine whether these outcomes were improved 7 years after implementation.


• Document and examine implementation-level measures based on interviews and knowledge tests of probation officers, interviews of supervisors and administrators, and review of site policies and procedures.


• Examine whether ineffective implementation can evolve and improve over time and whether 1-year post-implementation effectiveness impacts 7-year implementation effectiveness.


• Gather and/or estimate justice system and behavioral health care-related costs from each site for the matched pre-implementation, 1-year post-implementation, and 7-year post-implementation cohorts and compare those costs relative to recidivism outcomes to assess whether the implementation of a valid risk and needs assessment instrument with a risk-need-responsivity approach is cost-effective.

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