cwollenzien_riskassessmentreport_01212024

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Feb 20, 2024

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1 Risk Assessment Report Cynthia Wollenzien Rasmussen University CCJ4461: Evidence-Based Practices in C.J. Christopher Burne January 21, 2024
2 Risk Assessment Report Risk Assessment 1 – John John’s multiple arrests are concerning, but the misdemeanors point to the possibility of recovery in a drug court environment. Additionally, he freely admits to having an alcohol and prescription drug addiction that started two years ago after his father passed away unexpectedly. His academic performance suffered from this terrible occurrence, and he eventually dropped out of high school. His substance usage seems associated with this critical life event, highlighting the necessity of treating underlying trauma to achieve adequate recovery. Many people who suffer from substance use disorders experience trauma as adults or children (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2014). Research says that drug addicts are more prone to suffer traumas when under the influence, including dangerous situations and accidents (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2014). John’s ability to work full-time and provide for his family despite not having health insurance highlights his accountability and dedication. On the other hand, not having health insurance may make it more challenging to get thorough treatment. Thus, considering these factors, John meets the eligibility requirements in drug court. The court’s emphasis on treating the underlying causes of substance misuse aligns with his painful past and willingness to seek assistance. Furthermore, the average impact of involvement in adult drug courts is comparable to a decrease in overall recidivism (Mitchell et al., 2012). John has also demonstrated a positive contribution to his family through steady employment, further supporting his possibility for rehabilitation.
3 Risk Assessment 2 When deciding whether to hold criminals before trial, their potential to endanger others is frequently a significant factor (Viljoen et al., 2019). Risk instruments reduce incarceration rates so that they are only used when necessary and increase the accuracy of risk predictions (Viljoen et al., 2019). Yolanda is facing embezzlement charges related to a real estate scam and seeking a bond reduction. The investigation, spanning two years, implicates her in defrauding over two dozen senior citizens of approximately 14 million dollars. The arrest warrant stipulates a 1 million dollar bond with a 10 percent cash bail amount, creating a complex pretrial situation. Yolanda’s significant involvement in the alleged scam raises concerns about flight risk and potential harm to the community. However, crucial factors must be considered to assess her pretrial risk level and determine if a bond reduction is appropriate. Despite the robust evidence against her and the freezing of personal and business assets, Yolanda has no prior arrests. This clean record is a positive indicator and suggests a lower risk of flight or danger to the community. Her willingness to undergo drug and alcohol testing further supports a commitment to complying with pretrial conditions. Yolanda’s offer of her sister’s house as collateral for a bond reduction adds a layer of complexity. While Yolanda is on the title for the house, the "Tenancy by the Entirety" clause has safeguarded it from seizure. This legal protection and the fact that her sister has no other family in the country signifies Yolanda’s ties to the community. It suggests stability, making her a less likely flight risk. Additionally, her sister’s willingness to use the house as collateral demonstrates a support system, reinforcing Yolanda’s connection to the local community. Considering these factors, a pretrial risk assessment for Yolanda leans towards a moderate risk level. While the severity of the alleged offense cannot be overlooked, her lack of
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4 criminal history, ties to the community, and willingness to comply with testing make a case for a bond reduction. However, any reduction should be accompanied by strict conditions to ensure community safety, such as regular drug and alcohol testing. Therefore, Yolanda’s pretrial risk assessment involves weighing the severity of the charges against her clean criminal record, community ties, and willingness to comply with conditions. Risk Assessment 3 Zach, who was just found guilty of stealing a car and having cocaine, has a complicated situation that calls for a risk assessment after the conviction. His past includes several convictions and an unsuccessful attempt to finish a court-mandated drug treatment program that he started when he was eighteen years old. Zach must thoroughly assess his risk level, likelihood of community-based probation, and underlying causes of his criminal activity. Zach’s risk assessment is significantly influenced by his housing arrangements, strained social connections, and tense relationship with his sister’s family, all of which persist despite his unemployment. A year ago, Zach’s sister attempted intervention out of concern for Zach’s welfare. Zach’s support of his current lifestyle and reluctance to change has hampered intervention attempts. His lack of familial support is further exacerbated by the fact that his history of stealing from family members has damaged his relationship with his parents. Family instability has the potential to indirectly impact adult crime by upsetting the precise transitional experiences that are believed to deter criminal behavior (Bosick & Fomby, 2018). Additionally, the case becomes more complicated due to the involvement of a friend who has a lengthy criminal history and is accused of having a firearm when Zach was arrested. Zach disputes owning the gun, but this connection raises questions about the possibility that he will continue to engage in illegal activity.
5 Zach’s impulsive conduct and trouble keeping a steady job may be exacerbated by his childhood ADHD diagnosis, which would further impede his chances of recovery. The long-term effects of children’s mental health issues on later antisocial qualities have been repeatedly shown by research, mainly conduct problems, which are developmental predispositions of later antisocial behavior and criminality (Mordre et al., 2011). His decision to leave high school at the age of sixteen and his lack of interest in pursuing further education serve as indicators of educational neglect, which may have been a contributing factor in his criminal trajectory. Therefore, according to a postconviction risk assessment, Zach appears to be at high risk. Zach should be on community-based probation with close supervision. He should also be required to participate in rehabilitation programs, and his ADHD should be treated with specialized interventions. This strategy seeks to provide a disciplined framework for rehabilitation while reducing the underlying problems fueling his criminal activity.
6 References Bosick, S. J., & Fomby, P. (2018). Family instability in childhood and criminal offending during the transition into adulthood.  American Behavioral Scientist 62 (11), 1483-1504. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764218787000 Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services (Report No.: (SMA) 14-4816). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). Mitchell, O., Wilson, D. B., Eggers, A., & MacKenzie, D. L. (2012). Assessing the effectiveness of drug courts on recidivism: A meta-analytic review of traditional and non-traditional drug courts.  Journal of Criminal Justice 40 (1), 60-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2011.11.009 Mordre, M., Groholt, B., Kjelsberg, E., Sandstad, B., & Myhre, A. M. (2011). The impact of ADHD and conduct disorder in childhood on adult delinquency: A 30 years follow-up study using official crime records.  BMC Psychiatry 11 (1), Article 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-11-57 Viljoen, J. L., Jonnson, M. R., Cochrane, D. M., Vargen, L. M., & Vincent, G. M. (2019). Impact of risk assessment instruments on rates of pretrial detention, postconviction placements, and release: A systematic review and meta-analysis.  Law and Human Behavior 43 (5), 397-420. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/lhb0000344
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