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Strengthening the integration of actuarial risk assessment with clinical judgment in an evidence based practice framework

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  • Schwalbe, Craig S.

Abstract

Traditional discussions of actuarial risk assessment utility in child welfare and juvenile justice emphasizes its comparative predictive validity with clinical methods of prediction. While important, it ignores how actuarial risk assessment instruments actually influences the clinical deliberations of their users. Recent literature extends the discussion of their clinical utility by invoking evidence based practice principles. Implicit in this discussion is a traditional model of structured decision making, common in child welfare and juvenile justice agencies, whereby actuarial risk assessment is supplemented with contextual needs assessment. This article critiques the traditional model of structured decision making and argues that its limitations are inconsistent with the spirit of evidence based practice. Instead, a revised model of structured decision making, grounded in research on risk and resilience, promises a more complete integration with evidence based practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Schwalbe, Craig S., 2008. "Strengthening the integration of actuarial risk assessment with clinical judgment in an evidence based practice framework," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 30(12), pages 1458-1464, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:30:y:2008:i:12:p:1458-1464
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    1. Shlonsky, Aron & Wagner, Dennis, 2005. "The next step: Integrating actuarial risk assessment and clinical judgment into an evidence-based practice framework in CPS case management," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 409-427, April.
    2. Dawes, Robyn M., 1999. "A message from psychologists to economists: mere predictability doesn't matter like it should (without a good story appended to it)," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 29-40, May.
    3. Schwalbe, Craig, 2004. "Re-visioning risk assessment for human service decision making," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 26(6), pages 561-576, June.
    4. Lyle, Charles Gene & Graham, Elliott, 2000. "Looks can be deceiving: Using a risk assessment instrument to evaluate the out-comes of child protection services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 22(11-12), pages 935-949.
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    1. Emily Keddell, 2014. "Current Debates on Variability in Child Welfare Decision-Making: A Selected Literature Review," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-25, November.
    2. Bolton, Annalese & Lennings, Chris, 2010. "Clinical opinions of structured risk assessments for forensic child protection: The development of a clinically relevant device," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(10), pages 1300-1310, October.
    3. Keddell, Emily, 2014. "Theorising the signs of safety approach to child protection social work: Positioning, codes and power," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 47(P1), pages 70-77.
    4. Herring, David J., 2009. "Fathers and child maltreatment: A research agenda based on evolutionary theory and behavioral biology research," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 31(8), pages 935-945, August.
    5. van der Put, Claudia E. & Assink, Mark & Stams, Geert Jan J.M., 2016. "Predicting relapse of problematic child-rearing situations," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 288-295.

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