Assessing violence risk among youth

Area of Science:

• Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Criminology

Background:

• Increasing public and professional concern regarding juvenile violence, despite reported declines.
• Media attention on school shootings and juvenile homicides necessitates systematic violence risk assessment approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the assessment of general violence risk among youth.
• To differentiate and outline approaches for assessing targeted violence risk in young individuals.
• To identify key risk factors and principles for violence risk assessment in clinical and juvenile justice settings.

Main Methods:

• Identification of key risk factors for violent behavior in children and adolescents.
• Outlining fundamental principles for conducting violence potential assessments.
• Describing an approach for assessing individuals who exhibit concerning behaviors.

Main Results:

• Distinguishes between general and targeted violence risk assessment for youth.
• Highlights critical risk factors associated with adolescent violence.
• Provides a framework for systematic violence risk evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Systematic assessment of violence risk in youth is crucial.
• Distinct approaches are needed for general versus targeted violence risk.
• The study provides foundational principles for risk assessment in relevant contexts.