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A preliminary evaluation of the adaptation of four assessments for offenders with special needs
- Authors:
- KEELING Jenny A., ROSE John L., BEECH Anthony R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 32(2), June 2007, pp.62-73.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Appropriate assessment is an essential part of treating sexual offenders. Few assessments exist that can be used with offenders who have lower levels of intellectual functioning and/or literacy deficits. This study describes the adaptation of four self-report assessments for sexual offenders with special needs: (i) the Social Intimacy Scale; (ii) the Relationship Scales Questionnaire; (iii) the Criminal Sentiments Scale; and (iv) the Victim Empathy Distortion Scale. Each scale was adapted in an effort to simplify content and language and to improve readability. Preliminary data are presented on the comparability of each adapted measure to the original, as well as the internal consistency, reliability, and concurrent validity of the adapted tests. The SIS and the QVES were identified as appropriate assessment measures, comparable to the original with good reliability and validity. One subscale of the RSQ had fair reliability and validity, while the remaining subscales had varied psychometric properties. The adapted CSS had poor psychometric qualities and the adaptation of this test appears not to have been successful. The relevance of these findings to an understanding of offending by this population is discussed.
Assessment of intellectually disabled sexual offenders: the current position
- Authors:
- KEELING Jenny A., BEECH Anthony R., ROSE John L.
- Journal article citation:
- Aggression and Violent Behavior, 12(2), March 2007, pp.229-242.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Treatment relies on appropriate assessment, guided by the ‘What Works’ approach. As such, the assessment of sexual offenders with intellectual disabilities has three primary purposes: addressing the risk, needs, and responsivity principles. The aim of this paper is to examine different assessment methods for this population. Existing risk assessment protocols are discussed, as well as specific dynamic risk assessment tools for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability. The paper also investigates use of existing, adapted and new psychological tests to assess treatment needs. Assessment of responsivity specific to this population is discussed in terms of intellectual and adaptive functioning, as well as comprehension. Suggestions are made for moving towards a comprehensive assessment strategy for this population.