How to Improve the YLS/CMI? Exploring a Particularly Predictive Combination of Items

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Forensic Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Recidivism risk assessment is crucial for managing youth offenders.
• The Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) is widely used but lengthy and lacks predictive validity for minority populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a concise and more predictive risk assessment tool for Spanish youth offenders.
• To improve the predictive validity of the YLS/CMI, particularly for minority groups.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 430 Spanish youth offenders was assessed using the long version of the YLS/CMI.
• Reconvictions were tracked over a two-year period.
• A subset of seven YLS/CMI items was identified for its predictive power.

Main Results:

• The seven-item combination reduced the assessment tool by over 80%.
• This shortened tool demonstrated improved global predictive validity.
• Enhanced predictive accuracy was observed for minority populations.

Conclusions:

• A specific seven-item YLS/CMI combination offers superior predictive validity across gender and culture.
• This optimized tool may be highly beneficial for practitioners in juvenile justice.
• The identified items relate to psychopathic traits and absence of protective role models.