Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2003-10
Testing the Reliability and Validity of the Risk,Sophistication-Maturity,and Treatment Amenability Instrument (RST-i): An Assessment Tool for Juvenile Offenders
The current study investigated the reliability and validity of the Risk, Sophistication-Maturity, and Treatment Amenability Instrument, (RST-i) in a sample of 126 incarcerated adolescent males. Raters completed the RST-i, the Psychopathy Checklist-Youth Version (PCL-YV) and a reactive/proactive aggression form. In addition, data were gathered on treatment compliance and other relevant treatment variables. Intraclass correlation coefficients were high and convergent validity analyses yielded moderate coefficients with theoretically related constructs. Importantly, the RST-i was predictive of transfer to adult court. These results provide preliminary empirical support of the RST-i in relation to theoretically related clinical constructs and transfer decisions. Further research examining the interface of psychological and legal criteria considered in juvenile transfer cases is indicated.
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