CHAPTER 7: ASSESSMENT AND SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS FOR PROGRAMME
Specific procedures for the assessment selection of participants for accredited programmes will be set out in the Assessment and Evaluation Manual for the programme.
RISK/NEEDS ASSESSMENT
This process will normally begin at the SER stage. Assessment and selection ensure that people undertake programmes which match their risk level and needs. Research indicates that unless a programme addresses needs that are related to an individual's offending it will not be effective. 11 There are two aspects to assessment of participants for a programme:
- Assessing eligibility for the programme. This largely involves an assessment of an individual's likelihood of re-conviction and of the risk of harm their behaviour may cause to the public, or themselves. This assessment is informed by their past criminal record and current offence and attempts to answer the question of whether it is appropriate to propose a community penalty with an action plan to attend an accredited programme. These same considerations also apply when deciding on licence arrangements for those subject to supervision on release.
- Assessing suitability for the programme. Many people who offend would benefit from attending a cognitive skills programme. However prospective participants may not have the offence related needs that a particular programme addresses, and therefore will not benefit from the programme. The assessment process must identify that the individuals selected have the particular criminogenic needs targeted by the programme.
LSI-R (or LS/ CMI) will assist in the accurate assessment of an individual's level of risk of reconviction and contribute to a clear targeting strategy. Individual programmes will have specific assessment requirements to ensure that an individual will benefit from the specific offence related targets addressed by the programme.
GROUNDS FOR EXCLUSION
Accredited programmes should clearly set out who is not suitable. The following list sets out possible grounds for exclusion:
- Prospective participants do not demonstrate the offence-related needs that the programme seeks to address.
- People with significant mental health problems (that may only have become apparent after sentencing) and who may have difficulty in coping with lengthy sessions for example. Advice should always be sought from appropriately qualified health professionals to assist in properly assessing such cases.
- Other factors, such as severe drug dependency, that could prevent a participant's regular attendance or learning capability, or a learning disability that would significantly affect the individual's ability to participate in the programme. In some cases prospective participants may require medical treatment or other interventions prior to commencing the programme.
- Some programmes may have pre-programme requirements that may affect an individual's readiness to start a programme.
Literacy and numeracy problems should not usually be regarded as grounds for exclusion. Where literacy is considered a possible problem further advice should be sought and if possible, support arrangements put in place.
Similarly, poor motivation should not be regarded as grounds for exclusion and should be fully assessed so that measures to enhance engagement can be put into action. (See further discussion in Appendix 3.)
ASSESSMENT OF CHANGE
Most programmes will require participants to complete a range of assessment measures at the pre-programme stage and at the end of the programme. The purpose of this assessment is to:
- measure the participant's progress at the end the programme
- identify ongoing needs for the participants
- inform future developments to the programme (by reviewing aggregated data).
The staff member responsible for treatment management should ensure that the pre, and post programme assessments are properly carried out. The tests may be administered by the facilitators or other appropriately trained staff and arrangements for this will be described in the relevant Assessment and Evaluation Manual for the programme.