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Assessing and Managing Violence Risk in Juveniles

Randy Borum and David Verhaagen

Hardcover
Hardcover
August 1, 2006
ISBN 9781593853228
Price: $45.00
226 Pages
Size: 6" x 9"
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Highly practical and accessible, this is an indispensable resource for any mental health practitioner working with youth at risk for violent behavior. Presented is a comprehensive framework for evaluating juveniles in the justice system or those whose behavior in school, therapy sessions, or other contexts raises concern about violence. Detailed case examples illustrate the authors' scientifically grounded approach to selecting appropriate instruments, analyzing and communicating assessment results, and designing effective interventions. Special problems addressed include bullying, sexual aggression, fire setting, and homicide. The book also examines the development of aggressive conduct problems and their connections to other emotional and behavioral disorders.

“This is a clearly written book targeted to a wide audience of professionals who are challenged to clinically assess violent youths and predict the risk of future violence.”

Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry


“A practical and accessible resource for any mental health practitioner working with youth at risk for violent behavior. It presents a comprehensive framework for evaluating juveniles in the justice system or those whose behavior in school, therapy sessions, or other contexts raises concern about violence. Detailed case examples illustrate the authors' scientifically grounded approach to selecting appropriate instruments, analyzing and communicating assessment results, and designing effective inventions.”

Adolescence


“A 'state of the art' review of what is now known regarding risk assessment and treatment of offenders. It is an important book for anyone working in the field or wishing to do so. It could be a valuable addition to any graduate psychology program in which there is a dual track of Clinical and Forensic psychology.”

Child and Family Behavior Therapy


“Takes on the difficult task of synthesizing developmental findings into state-of-the-art principles and processes in the assessment of violence risk....The material presented is current, clear, and easily accessible; the authors infuse the text with a variety of good case illustrations and provide several examples of step-by-step assessment procedures and clinical interview questions....Will have appeal for practitioners in the field as well as youth violence researchers concerned with the applications of their work....Will have excellent application as a graduate-level text for trainees in a variety of mental health disciplines learning the process of youth violence risk assessment.”

PsycCRITIQUES


“This book delivers. The authors present a comprehensive framework that helps clinicians to better understand violence in juveniles, assess the risk factors associated with juvenile violence, and develop effective interventions to manage or reduce their influence....An excellent book that is very practical and informative. The issues and themes discussed fit right in with what those of us who deal with juvenile violence see everyday. Not only does this book provide an excellent comprehensive guide to effective assessment and management of violence risk in juveniles, but also a framework within which to view the assessment and management of risk in general and a template for designing appropriate treatments and providing meaningful supports. I highly recommend this book to all professionals who work with individuals who are at risk for interaction with the legal or mental health system.”

Journal of Child and Family Studies


“This work establishes a sound foundation for best practices in the evaluation of potentially aggressive youths. Speaking directly to mental health examiners, Borum and Verhaagen satisfy the clinician's need for a realistic way to meet the mandates of evidence-based practice in this area. Their advice is comprehensive, clear, concise, and creative. There is value in this work for all who perform these evaluations, from beginners to seasoned professionals.”

—Thomas Grisso, PhD, Department of Psychiatry (Emeritus), University of Massachusetts Medical School


“Is a given juvenile likely to be violent, and if so, what should be done to prevent it? Clinicians perplexed by these questions now can find invaluable guidance in this concise but comprehensive manual. Borum and Verhaagen offer down-to-earth suggestions for assessment and clinical management, based on the latest research and leavened with much clinical wisdom. Every mental health professional working with juveniles should read—and reread—this book.”

—Paul S. Appelbaum, MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons


“A practical and cogent guide to handling one of the most vexing issues in clinical practice today. Borum and Verhaagen provide a clear and up-to-date overview of research on juvenile violence; describe a comprehensive, evidence-based model for conducting violence risk assessments; and offer seasoned guidance for designing effective interventions to reduce violence risk. This is a book that deserves wide adoption in the classroom and that needs to be within arm’s reach of every clinician who deals with children and adolescents.”

—John Monahan, PhD, Shannon Distinguished Professor of Law, Psychology, and Psychiatry, University of Virginia


Assessing and Managing Violence Risk in Juveniles is an extraordinary resource for professionals responsible for conducting risk assessments and designing effective intervention plans to address the needs of youth. Grounded in research and theory, this book provides important foundational knowledge and outlines a comprehensive approach to assessing and managing violence risk in juveniles.”

—Shane R. Jimerson, PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara

Table of Contents

I. Understanding Youth Violence

1. Trends and Processes in Youth Violence

2. Risk Factors for Youth Violence

3. Mental/Behavioral Disorders and Violent Behavior

II. Conducting Violence Risk Assessments with Juveniles

4. Process and Principles

5. Psychological Tests and Assessment Instruments

6. Special Considerations in Assessing Risk for Targeted Violence

7. Report Writing and Risk Communication

8. Special Topics in Youth Violence

III. Treatment and Intervention

9. Research-Based Principles for Reducing Violence Risk

10. Effective Intervention Plans


About the Authors

Randy Borum, PsyD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida, where he also holds appointments in the Department of Criminology and the College of Public Health. His over 100 professional publications include the Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth.

David Verhaagen, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and a managing partner of Southeast Psychological Services in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has served as the clinical director of three mental health agencies that treat children and adolescents, including the largest of its kind in the state. Dr. Verhaagen's four previous books include a text on treating sexually aggressive youth.

Audience

Mental health and forensic professionals who work with adolescents, including clinical and counseling psychologists, clinical social workers, family therapists, school psychologists, and psychiatrists. Also of interest to staff in residential treatment facilities and juvenile detention centers.

Course Use

May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses in forensic psychology, social work and law, clinical practice with adolescents, and juvenile justice.