This information was prepared by the American Probation and Parole Association under Cooperative Agreement No. 90-JN-CSA-K)5 from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
Point of view or opinions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the office position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Please do not use any portion of this material without receiving written permission from the American Probation and Parole Association.
The information in this booklet was derived from brochures and literature provided by companies marketing assessment instruments or agencies which have developed assessment instruments, and through personal communication with those companies and agencies. The information herein is not based on empirical research conducted by the American Probation and Parole Association. In addition, the inclusion of certain assessment instruments does not represent an endorsement or recommendation.
The terms below are those used by the assessment companies or agencies that developed the instruments and are thus contained in this material. The definitions are intended to make the following material more understandable to the reader. Many of these terms are complex; their complete definitions are beyond the scope of this workshop. Therefore, the definitions have been simplified to coincide with their use in this booklet.
Evaluating factors that contribute to differences in test results obtained from individuals to examine whether gender, race, religious or other differences have affected test scores.
Construct Validity:
The extent to which a test may be said to measure a theoretical trait, such as chemical dependency.
Convergent Validity:
Extent to which a test correlates highly with those variables with which it should theoretically correlate. In a substance abuse assessment, ability of test to correlate with variables associated with substance abuse.
Correlation:
A measure of the degree to which there is a relationship between variables. Correlation coefficients range from -1 to +1, with zero indicating no relationship between variables. A positive correlation indicates that as one variable increases, the other variable also tends to increase. A negative correlation indicates that the variables are conversely related. The closer the correlation coefficient to +1, the closer the relationship. For instance, if test results have a correlation value of .88 with clinicians' diagnoses, the results of the test tend to be in agreement with the diagnoses of clinicians.
Discriminant Validity:
Extent to which a test does not correlate significantly with variables from which it should differ. In a substance abuse assessment, ability of test to accurately discriminate between those variables not associated with substance abuse.
DSMIII-R:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III - Revised. The standard manual used by the American Psychiatric Association that lists and describes all known mental disorders.
Empirically-based measures:
Measures derived from observation or experimentation, and so capable of proof and verification.
Face Validity:
If a test is said to have face validity, its items appear, upon informal examination, to be related to the variable(s) the test is designed to measure (e.g., drug dependency).
False Alarms:
Test results show a chemical dependency problem when no chemical dependency problem actually exists.
Field Testing:
The process of using an instrument or technique in the field to determine its value in terms of validity and reliability.
Inter-rater agreement:
Measure of the extent to which interpreters of test results are in agreement.
Internal consistency reliability:
The extent to which subsets of one test produce consistent results.
Reliability:
The extent to which a test produces consistent results regardless of extraneous factors that might influence the individual taking the test (e.g., mood at time of test, testing environment, who administers test).
Split-Half Method:
A method of determining the degree of reliability of a test by dividing the test into two comparable forms and comparing the two sets of results for consistency.
Standardized:
Test that is standardized has been adjusted to ensure uniformity in administration and interpretation across entire population of individuals it is designed to test.
Test-Retest:
A method of determining a test's reliability by re-administering and re-interpreting the test on a second occasion.
Validity:
The extent to which a test measures what it is designed to measure (e.g., an alcohol or drug problem).
Source: Anastasi, Anne
Psychological Testing, 4th Ed. Macmillan Publishing Co., New York. (1976).
Brief Description: The MACH (Minnesota Assessment of Chemical Health) is a comprehensive assessment instrument which contains an MDI (MACH Drug Involvement) Scale developed specifically for use with adolescents.
Distributed by Minnesota Assessment of Chemical Health, 9 Kings Lane, Chaska, MN 55318. Phone: (612) 887-0332
Format: Standardized interview in computer format which can be given to a client (preferred) or self-administered - employs "branching" process (client responses determine direction of interview)
Administration Time: Takes about 30 minutes to administer - results generated immediately
Results: Immediate, computer-generated results include the following analyses:
MDI Scale used to identify adolescent drug involvement
MACH Summary for an Action Plan - Recency and duration are used to prioritize findings within five separate divisions
degree of dependency on drugs/alcohol
current stressors for which psychological treatment may be indicated
a prognostic indicator based on prior level of functioning
risks of future problems with alcohol/drugs for "true negatives" or risk of relapse for "true positives"
environmental obstacles to recovery, indicating extent of desirability in involving family or collaterals in the rehabilitation process
MACH Assessment Matrix - Organizes data to specify the severity of problems related to alcohol or drug use in eight major life areas. Also highlights stressors, or "enabling" and other obstacles to chemical health or recovery from a chemical dependency.
MACH Referral Grid provides a graphic display of the referral options suggested by different combinations of problem severity and environmental obstacles to recovery.
Database: Designed to automatically store data for future use and to generate summary reports, quarterly/annual reports, and statistical analyses of data (e.g., client demographics, common problems presented, relationships between patterns of use and problems presented)
Validity/Reliability Studies: Test based on established instruments, surveys, tests and criteria. Validity substantiated with clinical, non-clinical, and juvenile justice populations. African-American and Native American populations were included in development and validation studies, and are currently using instrument. Not currently being used to any substantial degree with Hispanic and Asian populations. MACH determinations have had positive correlations with those of pairs of skilled counselors.
Languages: English and Swedish; development of Spanish version expected
Training: Manual and trial administrations adequate. Demonstration disk is available for self-training.
Cost: Average of $5 per administration (less with increased volume). Unlimited administrations $100 per month.
Brief Description: Adolescent Chemical Dependency Inventory (ACDI) - Corrections Version is designed specifically for use in the juvenile justice system. The developing company suggests that the ACDI be used prior to an interview to facilitate a more "focused" interview and decision-making process. It was first marketed in 1988.
Distributed by Risk & Needs Assessment, Inc., P.O. Box 32818, Phoenix, AZ 85064-4401. Phone: (602) 234-2888
Format: Self-administered 104-item test, taken on computer or in booklet form. Written at the 6th grade reading level. Can be given individually, or to groups.
Administration Time: Usually takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Results: Results are generated immediately after administration of the test on the computer. If test is completed on computer, results are available in five minutes. If booklet form is used, the process takes a bit longer: answers are first keyed into the computer, and then results are generated from computer.
Empirically-based measures are given on five scales:
alcohol (measures frequency and magnitude of the adolescent's alcohol-related problems)
drugs (measures drug-related problems)
distress (measures anxiety and depression)
adjustment (measures youth's level of coping, adapting, and functioning in important life areas, such as family, school, authority figures, relationships, etc.)
Risk Ranges (low, medium, problem, and severe problem) are calculated for each of the above five scales. Specific treatment and probation recommendations are presented
Structured Interview, a 10-item self-report that provides information about the youth's perception and denial system.
Significant items (a list of direct admission or important areas that provide further insight into the youth's situation)
Space for staff recommendations (e.g., records, collateral reports, interviews, etc.)
Truth-corrected scores (measurement error associated with untruthfulness; reflects what youth is trying to hide)
Database: Designed for storage of test data in an expanding data base for subsequent research analysis. Further, the company provides annual summaries of the agency's testing program at no extra charge and conducts ongoing research through the database.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Standardized at the state and local level, and restandardized through research annually. This includes multicultural standardization. Reliability verified. Consistent results regardless of how test is administered; within-test reliability found to be good also.
Languages: English and Spanish, but would likely comply with client's needs.
Training: Materials and phone consultations are often adequate. Individualized orientation and training provided free of charge, but no "formal" training "required."
Cost: $5 to $10 for all services (depending on volume of testing and participation in ongoing research).
Personal Experience Inventory, Adolescent Diagnostic Interview, and Personal Experience Screening Questionnaire were all specifically developed for use with adolescent populations by the Center for Adolescent Substance Abuse, University of Minnesota.
Available from Western Psychological Services, 12031 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. Phone: (310) 478-2061. The ADI will be ready for distribution in early 1992.
Brief Description: A multiple-scale inventory that documents the onset, nature, and degree of alcohol and other drug involvement, and identifies the personal risk factors that may precipitate or maintain substance abuse. It was published in 1989.
Format: A 147-item questionnaire available in pencil-and-paper and computerized versions.
Administration Time: Requires about 45 minutes to complete. Results are scored via computer immediately after test is completed, or tests may be sent to company for interpretation (8-hour processing guarantee plus sending time).
Results:
The following content is covered and scored:
Drug use problem severity (10 scales, 94 items)
Drug use frequency/onset (19 items)
Personal risk factors (8 scales, 79 items)
Environmental risk factors (4 scales, 35 items)
Problem screens (6 screens, 31 items) - to determine possible need for further evaluation, treatment or referral in five areas (eating disorder, sexual abuse, physical abuse, family chemical dependency, suicide potential)
Validity indices (5 scales, 70 items) - to indicate test-taking attitude, truthfulness
Database: Not available through company, but can be set up by agency
Validity/Reliability Studies: Construct validity substantiated through agreement of PEI scores with other self-report measures, diagnostic interview ratings, treatment referral recommendations, and parent reports. Validity across ethnic groups has been favorable, and continues to be researched. Internal consistency reliability estimates range from .70 to .97, across sample type.
Languages: French translations of the PEI (audio) are available. Working on a Spanish version.
Training: User qualifications are established by Western Psychological, (213) 478-2061. Training is required and available for a "very reasonable fee" for those who do not meet the qualifications. A schedule of upcoming trainings is available through Dr. Ken Winters, (612) 626-2879.
Cost: Manual - $29.90 - $32.50, tests $9.60 to $17.50 (paper-and-pencil), or $9.60 to $10.80 (computerized).
Brief Description: A standardized interview to assess DSMIII-R criteria for substance abuse disorders in adolescents, as well as psychosocial stressors, school and interpersonal functioning, psychological status and cognitive impairment. Will be available in the last quarter of 1992.
Format: An interviewer asks questions of adolescent, most of which require yes/no responses. May be administered on computer.
Administration Time: Takes about 45 minutes to interview an adolescent who uses both alcohol and marijuana; test administration increases with each additional drug by about 5 to 10 minutes. With computer version, interviewer keys in responses; results are scored and a report made immediately after test is completed.
Results: Evaluates youth in five areas:
Presence or absence of a DSMII-R diagnosis of psychoactive substance use disorder (frequency, duration, quantity of use; diagnostic symptoms)
Sociodemographic information (client/family demographics, referral source, living situation, school status, parent/sibling history of chemical dependency and mental disorders)
Level of functioning on 9 domains, including psychological status and interpersonal functioning (e.g., involvement with peers, opposite sex relationships, school and academic functioning, use of spare time, home behavior)
Severity of psychosocial stressors (self-image, interpersonal issues, physical and mental health, tragic/embarrassing events, home/school problems)
Rating of memory and orientation
Eight psychiatric status screens alerting interviewer to other difficulties often associated with substance abuse (i.e., depression, mania, eating disorder, delusional thinking, hallucinations, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, and conduct disorders)
Database: Not offered by company, but can be set up by agency
Validity/Reliability Studies: Inter-rater agreement, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity on clinical diagnoses, self-report measures, and treatment referral recommendations have been established.
Languages: Work on a Spanish version is underway.
Training: User qualifications are established by Western Psychological, (213) 478-2061. Training is required and available for a "very reasonable fee" for those who do not meet the qualifications. A schedule of upcoming trainings is available through Dr. Ken Winters, (612) 626-2879.
Brief Description: Self-report screening questionnaire for use with adolescents suspected of abusing alcohol or other drugs. The questionnaire was published in 1991.
Format: 40-item questionnaire, available in pencil-and-paper form, and appropriate for use with individuals and groups. Written at fourth grade reading level.
Administration Time: About ten minutes to administer and score.
Results: Routine screening useful in making referrals rather than providing an in-depth evaluation. Easily scored in five areas:
Drug use problem severity (18 items) measures psychological and behavioral involvement with chemicals
Drug use history (6 items) measures drug use frequency and onset
Psychosocial risk (8 items) indicates the presence of other mental/behavioral problems, personal and environmental problems associated with substance abuse
Defensiveness (5 items) indicates when the adolescent may be "faking-good"
Infrequency (3 items) indicates when the adolescent may be "faking-bad" or not taking the test seriously
Database: Test is not taken or scored on a computer.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Validated on drug clinic, juvenile offender and school samples. Internal consistency reliability very high (.90-.94). Problem severity scale correlates with Personal Experience Inventory (.88) and with group status, treatment history, and diagnostic ratings.
Languages: French translations (written) are available. Work in progress on Spanish version.
Training: User qualifications are established by Western Psychological, (213) 478-2061. Training is required and available for a "very reasonable fee" for those who do not meet the qualifications. A schedule of upcoming trainings is available through Dr. Ken Winters, (612) 626-2879.
Brief Description: The Assessment of Chemical Health Inventory - Adolescent Version is designed to evaluate the nature and extent of adolescent and adult chemical use and associated problems. The test was published in 1989.
Available from the Renovex Corporation (Recovery Software, Inc., 1 Corporate Center, 7401 Metro Blvd., Suite 445, Minneapolis, MN 55439). Phone: (612) 831-5835.
Format: 128-item self-report inventory available in pencil-and-paper or computerized versions. Written at the 4th grade reading level.
Administration Time: Requires about 15 - 25 minutes to complete and another 20 minutes to score by computer on-site. Otherwise, may be sent in on ACHI Response Forms for scoring and interpretation.
Results: Provides an evaluation on ten scales, including:
Test taking behavior (random, inattentive or inconsistent testing, defensiveness, and exaggeration)
Significant Client Life Factors and Problem Severity Factors (depression, physical/sexual abuse, self regard, alienation, family support, family estrangement, family chemical use problems, legal problems, eating concerns, etc.).
Overall Assessment Score in comparison to a distribution of scores of substance abusers and nonabusers
Need for treatment
Level of care recommendations
Database: Tests and results may be stored on computer
Validity/Reliability Studies: Discriminant validity was found to be good (test accurately discriminated between adolescents diagnosed as substance abusers and those who were not). Analysis of variance indicated no age, sex, race, or religious differences significantly affecting the ACHI scores.
Languages: Available in English only.
Training: Self-instructing manual provided with instrument. Training not required, but available for a negotiable fee at customer location for limited number of participants if desired.
Brief Description: Pennsylvania Juvenile Court Judges' Commission Problem Severity Index was developed in 1988. It is a structured interview, developed to identify, document, and respond to drug/alcohol abuse as well as problems in other important areas of functioning among adolescents entering the juvenile court system. The instrument was designed by the University of Pennsylvania/Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Addiction Research and Treatment Center under a contract from the Wyoming County Juvenile Probation Department.
The APSI is similar to the PSI, but is designed for use in non-juvenile justice settings, such as treatment facilities, mental health agencies, or schools. It is basically the same, but does not go into detail in the legal section of the interview.
For further information on this instrument, contact Jim Boylan, Juvenile Court Judges Commission, P.O. Box 3222, Harrisburg, PA 17105. Phone: (717) 787-6910.
Format: Structured interview conducted according to PSI Guidelines
Administration Time: 45-60 minutes
Results: Each section of the test provides for the following information:
Youth's self-assessment of the situation
Intervention Severity Ratings (the interviewer's assessment of need for additional intervention in each area)
Interviewer's Confidence Rating (indicating that the interviewer thinks that the youth does not understand or is misrepresenting his/her situation)
Guardian Agreement Box (opportunity for guardian to agree/disagree with interviewer's Intervention Severity Rating for consideration before treatment planning)
Composite Scores (objectively represented number of risk factors youth is facing in certain areas of functioning)
Sections of test include:
General information
Legal
Family relationships
Education/work
Medical
Psycho-social adjustment
Drug and alcohol use
Personal relationships (including high risk sexual behavior)
Summary page, which includes any comments for report
Database: A program for data entry and report generating capability has been developed. Database may be used to generate narrative and summary reports about each case, and for other analyses.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Face validity has been substantiated. Field testing has been favorable, but more sophisticated reliability/validity tests are being performed, but are not completed.
Languages: English
Training: Training can be arranged for a fee (contact Jim Boylan, address and phone number above), but ongoing support is not possible since this instrument has been designed and copyrighted by the State of Pennsylvania. It is not currently marketed to the public.
Brief Description: The Juvenile Automated Substance Abuse Evaluation is a computer-assisted instrument for assessing alcohol and other drug use behavior in adolescents. Test addresses issues and attitudes unique to adolescent, and includes items that address society's values and beliefs. Suggested for use with follow-up interview to provide focus and conserve amount of time necessary to conduct interview. The JASAE was first made available in 1989.
Available through ADE, Incorporated, P.O. Box 660, Clarkston, MI 48347. Phone: 1-800-334-1918.
Format: 102-item self-administered questionnaire, can be given to individuals or groups. It is written at the 5th grade level. Tests are available on audiotape in both English and Spanish for those who cannot read. It is a computer-assisted instrument, meaning the juvenile completes a pencil-and-paper questionnaire, then personnel key the responses into the computer.
Administration Time: Takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and about 5 minutes to key in responses and receive the printed evaluation. In high volume agencies, an optical scanner may be used which can score each test in about 5 seconds.
Results: Addresses and/or assesses the following areas:
test taking attitude (6 levels which indicate different attitudes toward self, the test, and the way one wants to portray self)
Life circumstances (4 levels of stress portrayed, areas of stress listed)
Drinking behavior (5 levels of severity of a drinking problem indicated)
Drug use behavior (5 levels of severity of a drug problem indicated)
Recommended interventions (presents a broad focus of intervention, such as education or some type of treatment, and an individualized referral to increase the chances of achieving the intervention goal)
Summary score - places individual in categories indicating severity of problem and level of intervention required
Important symptoms - list of important respondent answers that provide valuable information for clarification of treatment needs and further evaluation
Demographics - provides overview of demographic information
Recent blood alcohol content analysis and driving record
Results are based on patterns of responses, not individual responses.
Database: A database diskette for running statistical analyses on data collected may be obtained upon request.
Validity/Reliability Studies: ADE conducts ongoing evaluative research on the JASAE through programs developed by those who are using the JASAE. Validity measured through a comparison between results of the JASAE and personal interviews by professional substance abuse counselors and assessors. 85% agreement was found. Reliability was evaluated through test-retest method, and .93 level of correlation was found. Measured through the split-half method, a .91 level of correlation was indicated.
Languages: English and Spanish versions available
Training: Customers are able to initiate use of the instrument through the reference guides that come with it, and telephone assistance offered by the company. Continued support and training is provided through an 800 number. Once the customer has piloted the instrument, on-site training is available free of charge to those who find it necessary or desirable. Upgrades of the test are furnished free of charge to all customers. Annual "refresher" training courses are also available free of charge.
Cost: No start-up or administrative fees. $6 to $8 per evaluation, depending on volume used.
Brief Description: The Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory - Adolescent Version is a self-administered questionnaire, designed to be resistant to "faking." It was first marketed in June of 1990.
Available through the SASSI Institute, 4403 Trailridge Road, Bloomington, IN 47408. Phone: 1-800-726-0526.
Format: 52 true-false questions that appear to be unrelated to substance abuse. 26 items that allow clients to self-report negative consequences of their use of alcohol and other drugs. May be administered in booklet or computer form. Can be given to individuals or groups. It is written at approximately the third grade level.
Administration Time: Requires 10-15 minutes to complete, and about one minute to score.
Results: Evaluates adolescent on 6 scales:
OAT (obvious attributes to chemical dependency, alcohol and/or drugs)
SAT (subtle attributes to chemical dependency, alcohol and/or drugs)
DEF (measure of defensiveness/can also measure suicidal tendencies)
COR (measures similarity to adolescents in correctional settings, an "acting out" measure)
RAP (indicates whether individual is taking the test seriously or meaningfully)
Ends with decision rules: Should juvenile be judged chemically dependent? Decision rules for optimal treatment selection are also available.
Database: Information may be stored in computer. Summaries and analysis possible as well.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Able to assess chemically dependent or not in over 90% of cases. Only 2% to 10% "false alarms".
Language: Currently available in English only, with Spanish version being developed
Training: May use Manual to administer instrument without training. May also request additional training to enable further understanding of ways to use the instrument for free or reasonable charge, depending on format. Certification available for those who go through training. Free consultation always available for those who purchase the Manual.
Cost: Starter kit, which includes manual, scoring key, sample scored tests, and 25 tests and profiles is $75. Purchased separated, manuals are $55 each; scoring keys $10 each. Tests cost less than $2.00 each once start-up material is purchased.
This is not a diagnostic tool in itself, but a guide for assessment of youth. It begins with an initial screening in multiple areas (POSIT), and branches off to more in-depth evaluations if needed (diagnostic tools used at discretion of agency, though recommendations are made). Interventions are also at the discretion of the agency, based on resources determined to be available to them.
Description: The Adolescent Assessment/Referral System was developed for the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) by Westover Consultants, Washington, D.C., and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Bethesda, MD. It consists of the POSIT (Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers) which is designed to screen for multiple problems affecting a child's life that are typically associated with a youth's drug/alcohol use. The second step in the process is a more in-depth assessment into each problem area identified through the POSIT. The third component is a guide for treatment matching -- the correlating of diagnostic profiles with different therapeutic programs -- in the form of available treatment, rehabilitation, and education directories.
For further information, contact: NIDA, Division of Clinical Research, 5600 Fishers Lane, Room 10A-30, Rockville, MD 20857. Phone: (301) 443-4060.
Components included in the AARS Manual are:
Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) - to screen for multiple problems in ten different areas of functioning:
substance use/abuse
physical health status
mental health status
family relations
peer relations
educational status
vocational status
social skills
leisure and recreation
aggressive behavior and delinquency
Personal History Questionnaire (PHQ) - to gather all necessary background information
Comprehensive Assessment Battery (CAB) - composed of information about state-of-the-art assessment instruments and procedures.
Physician Report Form - to be completed by juvenile and doctor when a possible physical problem is flagged
Physical Activity Assessment - to be completed by adolescent if a problem is suspected in the leisure and activity area
National Youth Survey Delinquency Scale - to be completed through interview with adolescent if aggressive behavior/delinquency is flagged as possible problem area
Guide to the development of a Directory of Adolescent Services to identify, evaluate, and catalogue existing local or regional treatment and rehabilitative services for troubled adolescents.
Format: The POSIT is a 139-item questionnaire that screens for problems in ten different areas (see above). Available in pencil-and-paper form, English and Spanish versions. Can be administered individually or to groups. Scoring templates and sheets included.
The PHQ consists of approximately 75 questions about the juvenile's personal history and currently status. Pencil-and-paper version available in English and Spanish, can be administered individually or to groups.
The Physician Report Form is a 9-page in-depth medical report to be completed by the youth and the doctor. Takes about 30 minutes. In English only.
The Physical Activity Assessment is a one-page questionnaire that indicates the amount of physical activity the juvenile engaged in during the past year. About 15 minutes to complete. In English only.
The National Youth Survey Delinquency Scale is a four-page matrix of information about the youth's delinquency history. Takes 15-20 minutes to administer. Comes with scoring sheet for five scales (total delinquency, general theft, crimes against person, index offenses, and drug sales). In English only.
Administration Time: Varies with each screening tool. See "Format."
Results: Varies with each screening tool. See "Format."
Database: No computer versions available on general screening instruments.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Have not been completed on the AARS itself, nor the components presented in the AARS Manual, though trails have indicated success and no problems have been reported. Selection of additional instruments is usually necessary and these will have separate validity/reliability reports.
Languages: Varies with each screening tool. See "Format."
Training: Manual designed to be sufficient. Additional training not necessary.
Cost: None for AARS system Manual, which includes screening instruments and scoring sheets. These can be duplicated. Cost depends on instruments selected for more in-depth evaluation.
Brief Description: The Substance Abuse Screening Instrument is a "short" form questionnaire appropriate for screening juveniles at intake -- as they enter the juvenile justice system. Developed by a task force of nationally recognized experts for the purpose of early identification of drug involvement. The form was derived from the Client Substance Index, developed by David Moore, and used in Washington and Oregon for evaluating chemically dependent youth. The instrument is intended to be a first "gate" in a system for assessing youth. It should be used only to decide whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Availability pending from the National Center for Juvenile Justice, 701 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-4783. (412) 227-6950.
Format: 15 self-report questions, pencil-and-paper form. May be read to youth if necessary. Brief comments as to the youth's behavior and how it relates to the screening process (e.g., hostile, cooperative, defensive) are written by the assessor.
Administration Time: About five minutes
Results: About five minutes (time for assessor to write brief commends and add up yes's and no's).
Database: No information in literature regarding this
Validity/Reliability Studies: About 80% concordance with results of the Personal Experience Inventory (PEI). Studies are continuing.
Languages: English
Training: Step-by-step manual with instrument.
Cost: Instrument development/validity studies still underway. Contact NCJJ for more information.
Brief Description: The Substance Abuse Relapse Assessment is a structured interview developed for use by substance abuse treatment professionals to help recovering individuals recognize signs of and avoid relapse. It is used mostly with adult populations but has been used with younger populations, and may be adapted for use with youth.
For further information on the instrument, contact Roger Peters, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612-3899. Phone: (813) 974-4510.
Format: 41 questions, many of which are in-depth, administered by assessor to the youth in pencil and paper format.
Administration Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Results: Interpreted individually by assessor with input from youth
Database: Not designed for storage of information in computer, but may be set up by agency
Validity/Reliability Studies: Results have been favorable in numerous field tests.
Languages: English
Training: No formal training available. Some expertise in assessments is required to interpret the results of the interview. Agencies may contact Roger Peters (address above) for guidance in using the instrument.
Brief Description: The Chemical Assessment Instrument was developed by Dallas Challenge, Dallas, Texas, a substance abuse treatment agency.
Format: Standardized interview to be administered by staffperson to youth. Pencil and paper format.
Administration Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Results: Information obtained in eight key areas:
Personal
School history with current status
Work experience
Social history
Psychological problems
Drug use history
Family systems and relationships
Legal status/dispositional behavior
Database: Not designed for storage of data but may be set up by agency
Validity/Reliability Studies: Instrument has had favorable results in field tests.
Languages: English
Training: No formal training on the instrument itself is required. Should be administered and interpreted by someone who has some level of expertise in assessment.
Brief Description: The Comprehensive Addiction Severity Index for Adolescents was designed to evaluate drug and alcohol use and psychosocial severity in adolescent populations in a variety of settings. The instrument became available for use in 1991.
For further information on the instrument, contact Kathleen Meyers, Penn/V.A. Center for Studies of Addiction, 3900 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Phone: (215) 823-6098. Computer program to complement the instrument is available for a fee from Biometrics & Computing, 9743 Redd Rambler Place, Philadelphia, PA 19115.
Format: Structured interview, administered by assessor to the youth in pencil and paper format. May not be self-administered or given to groups.
Administration Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on level of drug involvement of individual being assessed. Computerized scoring technique takes about 45 minutes to enter, 10 minutes to score. Computerized version sets up database as information is entered. Individual reports and agency summaries can be obtained from the same program. The computer program is available for a fee from Biometrics and Computing (see above). A Manual for hand-scoring is being developed also. Manual scoring is appropriate only for very small agencies as it takes about three hours to score in this fashion.
Results: In addition to demographic information and life stressors, youth are evaluated in seven specific areas of functioning, with subscales in each area: education, alcohol/drug use, use of free time, peer relationships, family relationships, legal, and psychiatric status
Database: Computerized version sets up database for entry and retrieval of individual or collective summary information.
Validity/Reliability Studies: Preliminary results have been favorable. Feedback from those testing the instrument in the field have been positive.
Languages: English
Training: 1-1/2 day introductory training session offered by Penn/V.A. Center for Studies of Addiction is recommended to familiarize the user with the test. Experience with adolescents and interviewing techniques is important for successful use of the instrument. Guidance and ongoing support is provided by Penn/V.A. Center for Studies of Addiction. If the computerized version is purchased, Biometrics & Computing offers technical support.
Cost: No charge for instrument. Computerized version involves an initial fee for unlimited use.
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