Gina Vincent, PhD was a keynote speaker at the 2022 Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice Probation conference - “Using Risk-Need-Responsivity and Assessment Instruments to Maximize Youth Outcomes”

Risk-Need-Responsivity (RNR) is an evidence-based approach that can reduce recidivism while also conserving costs and maximizing positive outcomes for youth, such as increasing diversion and reducing placements. Achieving and sustaining these outcomes requires an enabling jurisdiction, effective implementation strategies, and essential quality improvement procedures. This presentation discussed how to leverage risk/needs assessment instruments to implement RNR and facilitators and barriers to making RNR routine practice. Additionally, it covered practical steps for improving the implementation of risk/needs assessment and RNR in the juvenile system; including the optimal decision points for implementing risk/needs assessment, using assessments in disposition recommendations, case planning, and coaching.