An evaluation of the efficacy of Corrections Victoria's assessment process

This research investigated the practical utility of Corrections Victoria’s assessment process, commencing with examining the risk scores provided using the LSI-R and the VISAT. The tendency of the VISAT to provide a lower risk classification than originally derived using the LSI-R highlights a critical need to formally investigate and compare the reliability and validity of both instruments with a Victorian population. That participants classified through the LSI-R as having a medium risk of re-offending were particularly exposed to having their risk rating lowered using the VISAT is considered extremely problematic. Since further assessment for treatment is theoretically confined to offenders assessed as presenting as medium and high risk, there is clearly potential for lost treatment opportunity should the VISAT be found to be providing an unreliable risk appraisal. Results indicated that the assessment process had the capacity to provide beneficial information during the transition between the initial and mid stages of assessment in terms of investigating criminogenic specific and related needs. However, earlier information could not be relied on to inform the final stages of assessment. This outcome needs to be considered in terms of the scope of the VISAT, which is not intended to be used as a clinical screening tool. However, there is concern that strains on organisational resources could coerce the use of the VISAT beyond its limitations. The value of a case formulation schedule is considered in terms of the varying degrees of clinical expertise presented in the organisation and the challenges that typically present within the prisoner and offender population. Given the lack of predictability between classes of antecedents and maintenance factors, using a structured schedule rather than relying on the discretion of the clinician in the use of an ABC chart is recommended