This article describes a study that examines the utility of separate risk assessment instruments for classifying male and female delinquents on probation. It addresses these questions: (a) Do separate instruments classify juveniles' risks for reoffending better than a combined instrument? and (b) Do risk factors differ for female and male reoffenders? These issues are explored using data gathered from a large metropolitan juvenile court. The findings indicate that separate risk assessment instruments improve classifications of risk for reoffending, especially among females. Furthermore, female risk factors differ substantially from those of their male counterparts. Implications are discussed for applied and theoretical research.
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